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NEWS10 May 2023News

EUROPE: 15 PhD positions in the field of thermal energy sources - MSCA Project ISOP

EUROPE: 15 PhD positions in the field of thermal energy sources - MSCA DN ISOP

The primary objective of this four-year work programme is to undertake cutting edge multidisciplinary research and development to make a step change in understanding of Supercritical CO2 based power generation systems’ technology and its potential to enable a step change in thermal energy power cycles to be a major contributor to achieving the 2050 zero emissions targets while providing specialised training for 15 doctoral researchers to help establish the backbone of an important industry.

About ISOP

The large reliance on fossil fuels to provide heat and electricity through thermodynamic power cycles, which started with the first industrial revolution, has led to adverse impact on human health and climate change and to fast depletion of resources. There has been a rapid growth in the deployment of renewable energy technologies in recent years, such as solar PV and wind, which no longer rely on thermodynamic power cycles. However, to meet the 2050 zero emissions targets, it is widely acknowledged that a broad portfolio of energy technologies will be required. This is likely to include nuclear, biofuels, concentrated-solar power (CSP) and the implementation of technologies to improve efficiency, such as waste-heat recovery, and even the continued use of fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage. Hence, thermodynamic power cycles will remain a pivotal component of the power supply mix. Significant enhancement in the performance and cost reduction of thermal power plants necessitates innovative new approaches. 

Modern thermal power generation cycles are required to offer step increase in performance, flexibility, resilience and responsiveness to balancing supply and demand. A promising cycle that could satisfy these characteristics, whilst offering step increase in conversion efficiencies compared to conventional Gas Turbine, Steam Rankine and Organic Rankine Cycle plants, is the Joule-Brayton cycle using supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) as the working fluid. 

Favourable properties of CO₂ include a low critical temperature, which enables operation in the supercritical region, high fluid densities that facilitate reduced compression work, very high specific power output as well as significant reduction in the plant footprint. CO₂ is also low cost, non-flammable, and stable at high temperatures. 

Despite the substantial potential and increasing interest, sCO₂ systems have not been commercialised yet due to technical challenges in system integration, operation and control, component design material selection and manufacturing technologies. In addition, there are challenges in cycle design required to maximise efficiency whilst reducing system complexity and cost. In particular, high pressures and temperatures, in excess of 200 bar and 450°C, alongside the reactivity of CO₂, require careful material selection and advanced component and system fabrication techniques to ensure safe operation. Whilst high pressures lead to high densities and small physical footprint, they introduce design challenges for the high power density turbomachinery components and heat exchangers. Large variations in the thermodynamic properties of CO₂ close to critical point also introduce significant challenges. 

ISOP–Specific (technical) objectives

  1. Develop advanced models and design tools that enable the optimalintegration of sCO2power systems components for various thermal energysources and end use applications
  2. Develop accurate prediction tools for the simulation of transient operation ofsCO2power cycles and investigate innovative concepts of control andoptimisation of operation
  3. Develop innovative methods to enhance aerodynamic and mechanicalperformance, reliability, and operability of key system components
  4. Develop advanced modelling and experimental methods that enable selectionand development of materials, coatings and manufacturing techniques

15 PhD positions are available.

Deadline is 31 May 2023.

LIST OF OPEN PHD POSITIONS

ISOP’s doctoral candidates (DCs) will benefit from the following:

  • A prestigious MSCA fellowship and a relevant network of fellow MSCA DCs;
  • An extensive network-wide training programme offering courses in the areas of science and technology, business, as well as generic, transferable skills;
  • The opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary team within a Europe-wide consortium of research institutions and SME/industrial partners, comprising experts in microbiology, pharmacology, and chemistry;
  • Intersectoral and/or international experience: Through one-year placements and six-month secondment at the industry, the candidate will gain valuable work experience in non-academic and international environments;
  • A competitive salary including mobility and family allowances.

With the wide range of skills and experience our DCs gain in the ISOP’s doctoral training programme, they will considerably broaden their career perspectives and increase their employability, whether they decide to pursue a career in academia or industry.

Mobility rules (eligibility of applicants):

  • Researchers funded by Doctoral Networks should comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date1.
  • In addition, they:
  • must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment.
  • can be of any nationality.

Details

MSCA