At the Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of "Energy Technology" a PhD stipend is available within the general study programme “Energy Technology”. The stipend is open for appointment from "1.12.2014".   The Department of Energy Technology is an expanding department covering most fields of Energy Technology ranging from electrical energy (Power Systems, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines to thermal energy including Energy Systems and Fluid Mechanics and Combustion but also mechatronic systems. The department has about 190 employees – out of them are more than 85 Ph.D. students. The laboratory-facilities are world-class and the research carried out are most often in collaboration with industry.

Job description

 Title: “System integration, optimization and application of thermoelectric generators”

Thermoelectric generators (TEG) convert heat energy to electrical power by means of semiconductor charge carriers due to temperature difference between a heat source and heat sink. Thin film TEGs can be used for sensor application in industry, whereas bulk TEGs would typically be used for higher power outputs. A key factor to enhance power generation or efficiency in the TEG is to design an optimal TEG in conjunction with the heat source, heat sink and its control system.
The thermoelectric research group at ET-AAU is now seeking a motivated Ph.D. candidate to work on system integration of thin film and bulk TEG modules for waste heat recovery application. The position is part of a multipartner research project entitled Center for Thermoelectric Energy Conversion (CTEC), which is funded by the Danish Strategic Research Council. The objective of CTEC is to carry out world class strategic research on thermoelectrics ranging from material science to application of TEGs, both thin film and bulk. The project partners include academic Aarhus University, Technical University of Denmark (DUT), Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden), Alpcon A/S, Aalborg Portland, TEGnology A/S and Termo-gen AB (Sweden).
The candidate will be expected to be able to apply a fundamental understanding of the transport processes which are important in thermoelectric conversion to modelling and design of optimized TEG applications. Part of the outcome of the project could for example be a portfolio of thin film or bulk TEG based on waste heat recovery sources, prioritized according to potential and implement ability, TEG system designed and modeled based on initial data and final system design based on prototype data including model of system operation and impact. 
Applicants for the PhD position should hold a Master’s degree in Engineering or Science in a relevant field. Applicants should explain the relevance of their educational background to the topic of the PhD. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a solid background in one or more of thermal/fluid mechanics, solid state physics, thermoelectric conversion, and module and system design. Candidates should document experience with experimental methods for analysis of thermal and/or thermoelectric systems. Familiarity with multi-physics programs for simulations such as COMSOL Multiphysics will also be an advantage. The selected candidate should be able to plan and carry out complicated tasks, to work independently and to cooperate with large and dynamic research groups. Good skills in oral and written English are also required.

The applicant must provide and upload a proper project description, which describes the applicant’s initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art (including short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. The project description should have a length of 4-5 pages.

You may obtain further information from Professor Lasse Rosendahl, Department of Energy Technology, phone: +45 2145 1114, email: lar@et.aau.dk concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Masters degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Engineering and Science, in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed every six months. It is a prerequisite for continuation of salary payment that the previous progress is approved at the time of the evaluation. 

The qualifications of the applicant will be assessed by an assessment committee. On the basis of the recommendation of the assessment committee, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Science will make a decision for allocating the stipend. 

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Ruth Klitte, The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email:rk<στο>adm.aau.dk, phone: +45 9940 7993. 

The faculty have a research school, The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science:www.phd.teknat.aau.dk and a Network for all PhD students: www.pau.aau.dk  

The application is only to be submitted online by using the "Apply online" button below.

Agreement

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of March 26, 2012 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the Ministry of Finance current circular on the employment structure at Danish Universities.   

Vacancy number

14-14064

Deadline

06/11/2014Apply online