Experimental Validation of Generatively Designed (Adsorption) Heat Exchangers

Descrizione

Experimental Validation of Generatively Designed (Adsorption) Heat Exchangers Sintesi in italiano (traduzione automatica): Questo dottorato offre l'opportunità di sviluppare scambiatori di calore di nuova generazione, combinando design generativo e ottimizzazione numerica con validazione sperimentale. La ricerca, condotta in un consorzio universitario fiammingo, affronta sfide energetiche cruciali, come l'efficienza energetica industriale e la cattura del carbonio. Il candidato sarà responsabile della progettazione, produzione e validazione sperimentale di scambiatori di calore per applicazioni di recupero energetico. È richiesta una laurea magistrale in ingegneria, preferibilmente in ingegneria meccanica, con competenze in meccanica dei fluidi e trasferimento di calore. Il ruolo richiede anche abilità nella ricerca indipendente e una buona padronanza dell'inglese. Il dottorato prevede una borsa di studio di quattro anni e un salario competitivo, oltre a benefici aggiuntivi. This PhD offers the opportunity to take ownership of the full development cycle of next-generation heat exchangers, from generative design and numerical optimization to manufacturing, experimental validation, and performance assessment. The research directly contributes to two major energy challenges: improving industrial energy efficiency and enabling more affordable carbon capture technologies. The researcher will combine in-house simulation and generative design tools with hands-on experimental work, taking concepts from numerical models to manufactured prototypes and validated performance data.In the first part of the project, the researcher will take the lead in developing, manufacturing, and experimentally validating generatively designed heat exchangers for energy recovery applications. Starting from in-house simulation and optimization tools, the researcher will translate numerical designs into physical prototypes using flexible production techniques such as additive manufacturing and etching. These prototypes will then be tested with advanced experimental methods, including flow visualization and thermography, to assess their thermal and hydraulic performance, validate the underlying models, and identify how generative design can push the limits of conventional heat exchanger technology.In the second part of the PhD research, the candidate will contribute to the HEATCAP project ( https://www.moonshotflanders.be/en/projects/heatcap ), a Flemish university consortium that aims to develop affordable point-source carbon capture based on adsorption technology, with a target cost below €50 per ton of CO2. Within this project, the PhD researcher will take ownership of the experimental validation of adsorption heat exchanger concepts. This includes validating simulation models, benchmarking design choices, and generating performance insights that can guide the development of more effective and scalable carbon capture systems. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers across the consortium and with input from industrial partners, ensuring a strong connection between fundamental research and real-world application.The final goal of the PhD research is to deliver experimentally validated heat exchanger concepts with strong potential for industrial energy savings, lower carbon capture costs, and substantial reductions in CO2 emissions. The position is particularly suited for a candidate who enjoys combining creative design, hands-on experimentation, and research with direct relevance for the energy transition. You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and communicative researcher with a strong interest in heat exchangers, thermal-fluid engineering, and experimental research. Moreover, you are a team player who enjoys collaborating with people within the research group, the project, and beyond, and have A Master’s degree in engineering with a background in mechanical engineering or a related field, from a reputable institute, with outstanding study results, A background in fluid mechanics and heat transfer, A background in experimental techniques for flow and heat transfer, or a strong motivation to develop these skills, The qualities to carry out independent research, demonstrated e.g., by the grades obtained on your MSc thesis, An excellent command of the English language, both in spoken and written form, A critical mindset. Additional research/educational experience in any of the following topics is considered a strong advantage: Flexible production techniques such as additive manufacturing or etching Usage of commercial CFD software Generative design Adsorption processes Heat exchangers Coding in languages such as Python and C++ Numerical optimization. A four-year doctoral scholarship and, if successful, a PhD in Engineering Technology. A competitive salary and additional benefits such as health insurance, access to sports facilities, etc. The opportunity to develop a strong and distinctive research Annuncio