Postdoc in Modeling of High Temperature PEM Fuel Cells - DTU Energy

Modelling expert to do multi-physics modelling of PEM-fuel cells.
Are you passionate about advancing fuel cell technologies and contributing to innovative solutions for energy resilience under harsh conditions? Do you thrive in international collaborative settings and wish to play a key role in an EU-funded project with researchers from multiple countries? If so, this postdoc position could be a good opportunity for you.

This project, focuses on developing and demonstrating a modular, containerized fuel cell system capable of dual-fuel operation with either hydrogen or methanol. The system aims to provide electrical power to critical infrastructure during emergencies and is based on high-temperature PEM (HT-PEM) technology. The HT-PEM systems operate at approximately 160 °C, offering simplified designs and operational advantages, including improved water management, facile heat rejection, and the ability to use reformates directly.

At DTU Energy, we have been carrying out R&D in sustainable energy conversion technologies and especially fuel cells and electrolysis cells for many years, and we are among the world’s leaders in research and development in this area. We have excellent facilities and competences for fabrication, modeling, testing and characterization of such devices.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The focus of this postdoc project is to help advance the development of a reliable and efficient dual-fuel HT-PEMFC systems using multi-physics, multi-scale modelling of the stacks. The project emphasizes system performance, flexibility, and durability under harsh operating conditions, ensuring its reliability for providing electrical power using hydrogen and methanol as fuels. A modular and containerized design, coupled with efficient thermal management and degradation mitigation strategies, is core to this initiative.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Develop a detailed 3D multiphysics model of the HT-PEMFC stack to analyze and optimize thermal management.
• Study the degradation mechanisms of the HT-PEMFC stack using experimental data and advanced modeling techniques. Propose and implement improved operation modes to minimize degradation effects and enhance system performance.
• Investigate the thermal dynamics and overall performance of the HT-PEMFC system under variable load and transient conditions. Develop a transient model to assess system behavior during power demand fluctuations and optimize operational strategies.
• Design a heat recovery system, tailored to the high-temperature PEMFC system to produce warm water for practical applications (e.g., heating and washing) in disaster areas.

You must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, energy technology, or a related field, and possess the following qualifications:

• Experience in Multiphysics and CFD modeling involving heat transfer, flow dynamics, and electrochemical processes.
• Expertise in modeling and simulation of electrochemical systems, preferably PEM fuel cells or similar energy conversion systems.
• Proficiency in relevant computational tools, such as COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, or equivalent software.
• Familiarity with degradation mechanisms and transient behavior of PEM fuel cell stacks is advantageous.
• A high motivation to advance clean energy technologies under harsh conditions.
• Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills to perform in an international consortium.
• Strong communication skills in both written and spoken English.

If you don’t meet all the qualifications listed above, but are passionate about the research topic and believe you can contribute to the project, we encourage you to apply!

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in energy resilience and to collaborate with leading European institutions on a high-impact project.

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 terms of employment
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 2 years. Starting date is 1 April 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
May be obtained from Arash Nemati ([email protected]) or Professor Henrik Lund Frandsen ([email protected]).

You can read more about the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage at www.energy.dtu.dk/english.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 18 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:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

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.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. In a sustainable energy system a large part of the energy will be supplied by fluctuating sources such as solar and wind power. This makes it critically important to be able to convert and store the energy as needed. The researchers in the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage address technologies and materials for direct conversion and subsequent storage of different forms of energy.

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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