PhD - Polygeneration units based on fluidized bed technology

We are recruiting a PhD student willing to carry out research of a novel fluidized bed process for the retrofitting of heat and power plants into flexible polygeneration plants. Such plants are foreseen as an importance opportunity for cost efficient production of biofuels for transportation. You will work in close collaboration with the heat and power industry and are expected to provide knowledge as basis for the design and scale up of polygeneration plants, including the design and operation of a 10 MW demonstration unit to be built during the project.

You will work with researchers with a long and internationally recognized experience in the field of fluidized bed technology and as an employee at the Division of Energy Technology you will be part of a research community with the general aim to reduce the environmental impact of energy use.

Information about the research and the project
The research to be carried out by the PhD student is focused on understanding the transport of mass and heat between the combustion and the gasification reactors, which is the key mechanism determining the performance of the polygeneration scheme. The research is experimentally based and carried out under three different conditions: industrial, semi-industrial, and laboratory scales.

The announced position is part of the project "Thermochemical polygeneration in the heat and power sector", co-funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, Karlstads Energi and BioShare. The project plan includes the demonstration of the retrofit of an existing heat and power plant into a polygeneration plant with the ability to generate 10 MW of biogas which could be refined to biofuel for transportation. This retrofit will be flexible in design and operation, so that the mass and heat transport by means of different transport mechanisms can be studied at large-scale conditions along the project. The studied retrofit concept has the potential to strongly increase the yearly capacity use of thermal plants which are currently limited by the duration of the heating season.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The majority of your time will be devoted to the research. PhD student positions generally also include teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level and performing other departmental duties, corresponding in total to a maximum of 20 % of the working time. You are expected to write a mid-term licentiate thesis and defend your doctoral thesis within 5 years. In addition, the PhD program includes taking courses corresponding to 60 ECTS credits.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
MSc degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education (ECTS) credits in any of the following fields of engineering: mechanical, chemical, thermal, energy, civil, physics engineering, or alike.

Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200505 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 December, 2020

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor David Pallarès, Energy Technology
E-mail: david.pallares@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 733689627

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!