Postdoctoral position in Multiphase flow and energy technology

Information about the research
We are offering a position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Multiphase Flow and Energy Technology group, in a project concerning mathematical modelling, numerical simulations and experiments in condensing multiphase flows on novel heat transfer surfaces.

A successful transition to a fossile-free transport fleet in Sweden by 2030 will require further development of the capacity to produce large volumes of transportation fuels from renewable sources. GoBiGas (Gothenburg Biomass Gasification Project) is a large project set out to build a plant to produce biogas via the gasification of biofuel and waste from forestry. At GoBiGas, biogas is extracted via thermal gasification of the raw materials of the forest, such as branches, stumps and forest residue. Biofuel is transformed into a combustible gas, syngas, which is purified and upgraded to a biogas, with a quality that is comparable to natural gas. This means that both gas types can be mixed in the same gas grid. Since biogas is produced from renewable sources, it does not contribute to an increase in the emissions of carbon dioxide. Today, biogas is used primarily as transportation fuel, but it can even be used for heat generation and various industry processes.

Controlled cooling of the producer gas from a steam-blown gasifier is challenging because of the impending risk of tar fouling on the heat exchanger surfaces. A scrubber is typically used today to avoid this, which causes energy losses as the latent heat only becomes available in the solvent at a low temperature. A more resource and energy efficient process would be possible if the producer gas could be cooled down in a heat exchanger that could resist tar adsorption. In this project, Alfa Laval Lund AB will coat a heat exchanger so that it is well wetted by the condensing steam. As the tars are nonpolar, they will not dissolve in the water film and a self-cleaning producer gas condenser may be realized. Experiments and simulations will be combined to investigate the function closer and optimize the design. Simulations of this kind have a huge potential in the future development of energy efficient processes based on nano-engineered surfaces.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in this project, you will be working at the Division of Fluid Dynamics at Chalmers University of Technology. The project is carried out in close cooperation with the Division of Energy Technology, Alfa Laval Lund AB and Göteborg Energi AB. Working as a Postdoctoral Researcher requires a great deal of creativity and ability to think "outside the box". Furthermore, the current project involves cooperation between two divisions and two industrial partners, implying that collaborative and communicative skills will be essential.

The fundamental scientific questions that need to be addressed in the development of the new mathematical model are primarily related to the fluid mechanics description of the gas-liquid-liquid multiphase flow with phase change over a hydrophilic surface. Model development on different levels of detail will therefore be needed, to obtain insight at the microscopic level and to be able to optimize the design on a macroscopic level. The project will thus offer possibilities to contribute both to the development of state-of-the-art numerical models for multiphase flows, as well as to help address technical challenges of significant societal, environmental and economical impact. 

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility will be to pursue the research and development within the project. You are expected to develop your own scientific ideas and concepts, and to communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. You will be guided by senior researchers at the involved departments and companies.

The position is a full-time temporary employment with a competitive salary and with social benefits. The position is limited to a maximum of two years. 

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the current project, you must have a PhD degree in a relevant field (Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Energy Technology, Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics or similar). The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English, as well as an ability to plan and organize the work involved.

You like to work independently and you plan and think strategically. You are creative and like to put new ideas into practice. You have a solid interest in scientific computing, and you understand and are able to handle numerical codes and data quickly and correctly. You like to work in interdisciplinary projects and you have the ability to discuss and communicate your work with people of different backgrounds. We also believe that you are a motivated person, with a strong curiosity and a genuine wish to learn more and develop your skills and knowledge further in the fields of research, research communication and project management.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160333 and written in English. 


Application deadline: 9 October 2016

For questions, please contact:
Assistant Professor Henrik Ström,
Fluid Dynamics,
henrik.strom@chalmers.se,
+46317721360