The Division of Energy Science at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) has an open PhD position in the subject of Energy Engineering. Your research studies will largely involve thermal process chemistry and biomass combustion engineering issues.

Energy engineering includes the development of technologies and processes for a sustainable energy supply. The research focuses on bioenergy technologies and energy efficient use in industry and society.

A conceptual model for qualitative prediction of ash related operational problems in combustion of biomass fuels (e.g. bed agglomeration, slagging, fouling) has previously been developed based on extensive experimental and theoretical work. By means of this model a semi-quantitative prediction of the general ash transformation reactions can be obtained, based on fundamental and thermodynamic considerations. Within the PhD research project you will further develop and adapt this conceptual model to be valid for actual fluidized- and fixed bed combustion environments taking a number of physical conditions in the combustor in consideration. In parallel and in close cooperation with our colleagues at the Automatic Control Subject at LTU, opportunities to implement this model in an MPC (Nonlinear-Model Predictive-Control) will be explored. A combustion plant can be controlled more efficiently using such a model, which is necessary to meet the increased demand for fuel flexibility associated with difficult ash-rich fuels.

Your PhD project is a part of a larger Sweden-China collaboration/program. The general goal of this collaboration is to facilitate and implement the demonstration of a small-scale bioenergy combine in Jilin (China) that can be used as a “real-life-case” for Sino-Swedish bioenergy R&D and innovation cooperation when tackling the existing and future problems with bioenergy development in China as well as on the global market.

You will work together with our partners from the industry (combustion plant designers and -manufactures) and from the research community (LTU-process control, Umeå University, Swedish University of Agricultural Science) as a part of an ongoing five-year research project. The project involves PhD-students from Luleå University of Technology, Umeå University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

For further information,  please contact Prof. Marcus Öhman, Head of Division, + 46-920- 49197, marcus.ohman@ltu.se. 

To submit your application for this position, please click on the "Apply through website" button. The application should include a CV and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Your application must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number.

Deadline for application: 30 november 2014

We look for PhD candidates with a degree of Master of Science in chemical engineering/energy engineering/engineering physics or similar specialisations, with a strong interest and preferably experience in combustion/process engineering. You should be a good team player and have an ability to take initiative. You should also have a good knowledge in the English language and good oral and written proficiency.

Apply here: http://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=1285&rmlang=UK