EngD Position in seals for green hydrogen production

The Department Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces & Systems (MS3), part of the faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is currently seeking an EngD candidate developing advanced sealing solutions for electrolyzer stacks, crucial components in green hydrogen production.

Hydrogen, a key player in the clean energy transition, requires efficient and safe production methods. Electrolysers, which split water into hydrogen and oxygen, rely heavily on effective sealing to contain (and separate) electrolytes, gases, and water within the system. However, current design models often overlook the microscopic details that significantly impact seal performance.

A major challenge is "roughness-induced leakage," where the microscopic surface roughness of materials creates pathways, called percolation channels, for fluids and gases to permeate through seals. This occurs even when seals appear macroscopically intact. This project aims to address this issue by developing tools and guidelines that account for surface roughness during the design process.

Furthermore, the sealing components must be resistant to degradation, as electrolyser stacks should produce hydrogen for a long time. Too frequent safety inspections are very costly, both monetary and laborious, and proper material and design selection for sealing is therefore a crucial component of the initial design phase of an electrolyser stack.

The goal is to improve the long-term performance and reliability of electrolyzer stacks by preventing leaks and ensuring the safe containment of hydrogen. Improved seal design will also minimize the need for frequent and costly inspections, contributing to the overall economic viability of green hydrogen production. By addressing the microscopic details of seal performance, this project aims to enhance the efficiency and durability of electrolysers, ultimately advancing the widespread adoption of green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

Your Role
The position will be at the University of Twente, but there will be a strong collaboration with our industrial partner Bosch Thin Metal Technologies in Tilburg. You play a crucial role in developing numerical design tools for roughness induced leakage of these seals and validation of the developed theories. In this, you can build on existing models available within the research group. Based on this, you develop design guidelines for surface roughness of sealing component specifications. You will spend most of your time at the University of Twente, where you will take relevant courses and receive scientific support. The experimental validation will mostly be done in Tilburg.

Requirements:

• You are highly ambitious and motivated with a Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, or a related field
• You are passionate about sustainable energy systems, such as electrolyzers pumps, with a passion for tribology, sealing or contact mechanics;
• You are proficient in numerical modeling;
• You have visionary problem-solving skills, coupled with the ability to thrive both independently and as a collaborative team member;
• You have exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with a drive to communicate your discoveries to the world;
• You are eager to shape a greener and more sustainable future for generations.

Salary Benefits:

• A full-time, 2-year EngD-position;
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating international research environment with excellent facilities
• A professional and personal development program within Graduate School Twente;
• A salary of € 2.872,- gross per month;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• A dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high industrial relevance;
• Full status as an employee at the UT, including pension and health care benefits;
• Excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a lively green campus.

38 - 40 hours per week

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