PhD Position Thermal Runaway of Batteries NL, CD

Job description

The project Thermal Runaway is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Defense. It focuses on the safe and efficient use of batteries as energy storage systems on board naval vessels. The aim is to avoid thermal runaway of these batteries in ships, as it could cause significant damage to the battery system, the vessel and its crew.

Main research question:
How to design safe battery energy storage systems for naval vessels?

Important subquestions:

• How can the thermal behaviour (including runaway) of batteries be understood and modelled? This involves load cycles and potential mechanical damage from missile impact.
• What can be done to minimise the risk of thermal runaway? This includes battery chemistry, containment, and cooling.
• In case a thermal runaway occurs, how can damage be minimised?

The research combines modelling, design, and experimental work, and covers the ship’s energy system, battery chemistry, cooling system, and mechanical construction and containment.

The work will be carried out in close cooperation with national academic and industrial partners, such as the Netherlands Defense Academy. The PhD researcher will collaborate with researchers working on the NWO‑funded projects Maritime Batteries and SEANERGETIC. Industrial partners will provide use‑cases and recorded data from zero‑emission ships.

The candidate will be part of a team of PhD students working on different aspects of the energy transition in the maritime sector, based at Delft University of Technology in the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology, Group Sustainable Drive and Energy Systems, under the supervision of Henk Polinder.

We are looking for an outstanding PhD candidate with expertise or strong interest in modelling and design of battery systems, holding an MSc in electrical power engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering.

Other desirable characteristics: proactive, independent, able to interact with diverse stakeholders, and strong communication skills in English.

Doctoral candidates will receive a four‑year period of employment, comprised of an initial 18‑month contract with a formal progress assessment after 15 months, followed by a second 30‑month contract provided performance expectations are met.

Salary and benefits follow the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3 059 to €3 881 gross per month across the four years. Additional benefits include an 8 % holiday allowance, an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %, customisable compensation packages, health‑insurance discounts, and a monthly work‑costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For more information, contact Dr. Henk Polinder at h.polinder.