PhD scholarship in AI Controlled Combustion Engine - Fuel Ratings - DTU Construct

We need to reduce climate impact by replacing fossil fuel. The work will be focusing on rating hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, ethanol and other bio and e-fuels in terms of auto ignition behavior.
We need to reduce climate impact by replacing fossil fuel. In this PhD project you can help with the green transition by enabling widespread use of alternative fuels. As biofuels and e-fuels will be more expensive, at least initially, it is of paramount importance to use them with the highest possible efficiency. Traditional Spark Ignition and Compression Ignition Internal Combustion Engines, ICE, have been optimized for fossil fuels for more than 140 years but the new fuels have properties that can enable a more efficient operation. Advanced combustion processes like HCCI, SACI and PPC will be used in this project. The overall goal of the project is to use AI to optimize combustion in real time and select which combustion mode is the best at each instance.

This part of the three-student project is focusing on understanding fuel auto ignition behavior using not only octane number rating but also HCCI numbers and blending octane numbers.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The work will be focusing on rating hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, ethanol and other bio and e-fuels in terms of auto ignition behavior. The main hardware used is the standardized CFR-engine used for regular Octane Numbers but modified to enable HCCI type of combustion. Also, SACI and potentially PPC combustion will be evaluated. The work is experimental in nature operating a real engine in an ICE lab.

Preferably, you have:

• A basic understanding of combustion and engines
• Knowledge of advanced combustion concepts is a merit but not a prerequisite
• Practical experience of engine operation in a lab is a merit.

But the most important qualification is an eagerness to learn the mysteries of fuel-combustion-engine interaction.

However, you must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of candidates will be performed by Professor Bengt Johansson, Project leader of the AI controlled engine project and future supervisor.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is 1 April 2025, or as soon as the recruitment process is finished.

The work will be conducted at the section of Thermal Energy Systems, DTU Construct.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Bengt Johansson [email protected].

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) at www.constuct.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Letters of recommendation are not mandatory but can be included.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Construct
DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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