 |
 |
Delft University of Technology in collaboration with RWTH Aachen University seeks to appoint a Post-doc for CO2 Catch-up Project - Dynamic simulation of CO2 capture processes ================================================= Department/faculty: Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering Level: PhD Working hours: Maximum of 38 hours per week (1 FTE) Contract: One year Our Profile ============================================== The project is conducted in cooperation between TU Delft and RWTH Aachen University. The 3ME Faculty at TU Delft trains committed engineering students and PhD candidates in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3ME is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits. The Process and Energy Department aspires to conduct world-class research and education focusing on process and energy technologies for sustainable development. The research is conducted from a deep understanding of the underlying physics and is oriented towards industrial applications and societal needs. At TU Delft, the work will be carried out in cooperation of the groups for Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems Separation and Energy Technology under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Piero Colonna. At RWTH Aachen University, the Chair of Technical Thermodynamics at RWTH Aachen University headed by Prof. André Bardow is leading the activity. Job description =============== The Dutch government has granted the energy provider Nuon funding to build a CO2 capture pilot plant at the Buggenum IGCC power station and to perform R&D activities (http://www.nuondoet.nl/#/boog/buggenum). The research partners are the Process and Energy and the Chemical Engineering Departments of TU Delft, together with ECN, TNO and KEMA. The pilot plant and R&D activities are aimed to generate knowledge for use in the design and operation of an IGCC power plant with CO2 capture and storage in the north of the Netherlands (the Nuon Magnum project). CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is a leading option for short-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the capture step accounts for 75% of the cost of the CCS chain and leads to a significant increase in energy usage. Efficient operation of the CO2 capture unit is crucial. Absorption is the leading option for CO2 capture. In the chemical industries, steady-state operation, however, is standard whereas major load changes are common in energy systems. In this project, a detailed dynamic model of the CO2 absorption and desorption units in the Nuon CO2 capture plant will be developed and validated using pilot plant data. The behaviour during dynamic operation, load changes and start-up will be analysed. Reduced models will be derived. Improved strategies for control and operation will be developed. Requirements ============ We seek candidates with an excellent Phd in an area of process engineering (mechanical or chemical), technical chemistry. Experience in dynamic process simulation using commercial simulators (preferably using gPROMS) is expected. Knowledge and experience in the fields of process systems engineering and process simulation using Aspen would be advantageous. Fluency in English is required. Conditions of employment ======================== TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Information and application =========================== For more information about this position, please contact A. Bardow, Email: [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] To apply, please e-mail a detailed CV, a list of references, an abstract of your PhD thesis, and a publication list along with a letter of application to [log in to unmask] by October 31, 2010. Enquiries from agencies are not appreciated. ============================================== Prof. Dr.-Ing. André Bardow Chair of Technical Thermodynamics RWTH Aachen University Schinkelstraße 8, D-52062 Aachen, Germany http://www.ltt.rwth-aachen.de/ Email (Aachen): [log in to unmask] Email (Delft): [log in to unmask] T: +49 241 80-953 80 F: +49 241 80-922 55