PhD scholarship in electricity grid stabilization using Power-to-X-to-Power at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Copenhagen, Capital, Denmark -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

08 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

10 Jun, 26

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Thermodynamic Modelling, Mathematical Optimization, Techno-Economic Analysis, Process Modelling, Energy Systems Analysis, Mixed Integer Linear Optimization, Electrochemistry, Bioenergy, English Communication, Data Set Development

Industry

Research Services

Description

Electrolysis and Power-to-X (PtX) are becoming key energy technologies in the green transition, as they will be essential for replacing fossil-based fuels and chemicals. While being able to balance variable renewable energy (VRE) when electricity is abundant, fuel cells or alternatives are needed for power production when VRE production is low. One of the alternatives for seasonal storage is the so-called biomass battery [https://www.dtu.dk/english/newsarchive/2023/10/seasonal-storage-through-power-to-x-the-key-to-a-robust-energy-grid], where current power production capabilities are coupled with PtX, by utilizing waste oxygen to facilitate capture of CO2 and re-utilizing the scarce biogenic carbon. In this PhD project you will be working on techno-economic analyses (TEA) of the alternative seasonal storage solutions, including the “biomass battery” and reversible electrochemical cell systems (e.g. rSOC). The TEA on plant level will be utilised by project partners energy-system level models to understand the different technological solutions’ value proposition for the society. A mapping of available biological resources in future scenarios will be carried out by another partner in the project (ReCycle), while the remaining partners will work on demonstrating the first steps of the biomass battery, i.e. straw-fired oxy-combustion. The target of the project is to impact the society in terms of new energy planning perspectives and to provide new perspectives on the utilization of biomass, in Europe and Denmark in particular (in relation to the Green Tripartite). This is a job where you will get a chance to develop and apply competences on techno-economic analysis, collaborating with various academic and industrial players working on the green transition to impact it. Responsibilities and qualifications In this PhD project your primary responsibilities will include: * Thermodynamic modelling and optimization of future electrochemical energy conversion systems (e.g. reversible systems, Power-to-Power concepts) * In-dept techno-economic analysis and optimization of oxy-fuel combustion CHP technologies (new builds and retrofits) * Analysing performance, cost, and scalability of Power-to-X technologies (e.g. electrolysis, e-fuels) * Mixed integer linear optimization of energy storage system design and operation in connection with variable renewables and for grid balancing. * Supporting development of open-source datasets for system modelling To be qualified for this position you should preferably have: * Strong analytical and modelling skills in the fields of thermodynamics and mathematical optimization (e.g., linear optimization, mixed integer linear optimization, surrogates, etc. * Experience with techno-economic analysis, process modelling, or energy systems analysis in the fields of electrochemistry and bioenergy is an advantage * Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams * Research publications in peer-reviewed journals are a strong differentiator, but not mandatory for the application. * Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken * A master’s degree in materials science, ceramic engineering, chemical engineering, energy engineering, physics, or a related field You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education [https://www.dtu.dk/english/Education/PhD/Rules]. Assessment The assessment of applicants will be made by: Head of Section, Prof. Peter Vang Hendriksen, Prof. Henrik Lund Frandsen and Assistant Professor Rafael Nogueira Nakashima. 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 appointment terms 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 3 years and the position is a full-time position. The workplace is DTU Lyngby Campus. The employment is expected to start 1 September 2026, or according to mutual agreement. You can read more about career paths at DTU here [http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths]. Further information Further information may be obtained from Assistant Professor Rafeal Nogueira Nakashima (rafnn@dtu.dk) or Professor Henrik Lund Frandsen (hlfr@dtu.dk). You can read more about DTU Energy at www.energy.dtu.dk [http://www.energy.dtu.dk] If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark [https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark]. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar [https://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/moving-to-denmark/before-arrival/phd-relocation-to-denmark]” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 5 August 2026 (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: * A letter motivating the application (cover letter) * Curriculum vitae * Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale * Contact information for two references You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 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 (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at www.energy.dtu.dk [http://www.energy.dtu.dk/]. DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Responsibilities

Perform thermodynamic modelling and techno-economic analysis of electrochemical energy conversion systems and oxy-fuel combustion technologies. Optimize energy storage system design and operation to support grid balancing and the green transition.