PhD Position Combustion Behaviour in Dual-Fuel Methanol Engines

Are you ready to work on maritime energy and sustainable shipping to develop next-generation methanol-based energy solutions?

The Methanorms project develops adaptable energy system solutions for ships with methanol as a fuel with a broad consortium across the Dutch maritime sector, from fleet owner to ship designer and from shipyard to (specialist) supplier. In this project, Delft University of Technology performs applied and fundamental research into methanol engine technology, working closely together with MARIN for the integration of these engine in DC systems and in ships, with Fugro Pioneer and Fugro Galaxy as real use cases. The researcher, consisting of 1 PhD position, and an experienced supervision team of Delft University and Technology and the Netherlands Defence Academy, develops models to evaluate the performance of these engines which will be integrated in the virtuel zero emission lan of MARIN for integration in AC and DC power systems en development and evaluation of power ystsem archietctures and control algorithms for methanol energy systems.

This research position will be responsible for the evaluation of the static and dynamic performance of the original diesel engine, the first diesel methanol dual-fuel retrofit with simple combustion and subsequently advanced combustion for the compresson ignition engine of NIM in the single cylinder lab of TNO and the test facilities at NIM. The researcher will be responsible for the development of dynamic models for Compression Ignition engines and the use of these models within the project for the prediction of the dynamic behaviour of methanol dual fuel engines, in close collaboration with the MARIN virutal zero emission lab team. The initial work will take place at the TNO powertrain facilities in Egmond and the test facilities at NIM, in close cooperation with the research groups at the Netherlands Defence Academy and Delft Univerity of Technology. The resarcher will model and evaluate the feasibility of simpel and advanced combustion and the dynamic behaviour of various injection methods of methanol in dual-fuel compression igntion engines. This work will lead to a validated dynamic model for a methanol compression ignition engine that can be used in the further project.

The developed methanol engine model will be used in cooperation with other researchers in the TU Delft team and with MARIN zero lab to predict the behaviour of the energy system as a whole and develop design and control strategies for the methanol energy system. For this, the physical scaled zero lab and the virtual zero lab of MARIN will be used. Moreover, full scale system behaviour of electrical propulsion can be validated in the Fugro fieldlab. This will then result in accurate prediction and digital twins, inlcuding design and control methodolgies for the behaviour of energy systems, for the fieldlabs and for the future use cases in the project, consisting of seagoing working vessels for the Royal Netherlands Navy and NIOZ, and diving vessels for the Royal Netherlands Navy.

• We are seeking an outstanding and enthusiastic PhD candidate who has expertise and/or interest in one or more of the following areas: thermodynamic engine modelling, fundamental thermodynamics, novel application of data analysis and machine learing techniques, or similar areas.
• You have obtained an MSc or an equivalent degree or expect to obtain an MSc very soon related to these areas (mechanical engineering, marine engineering, thermodynamics, mathematics, or other related fields).
• Good spoken and written English and the ability to work in a team are mandatory

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It's a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME's outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

The measurement campaign of this research will take place at the TNO powertrain facilities in Helmond and at the test facilities at NIM BV in Sliedrecht, The research will be performed in close collaboration with the Sustainable Drive and Energy System Group in Delft and the engine laboratory of the Netherlands Defence Academy in Den Helder and in close cooperation with the MARIN research team in Wageningen. Therefore, the PhD candidate will work both in the Marine Engineering group of the Ship Design, Production and Operation section at the Martime and Transport Technology department of Delft University of Technology and ath the zero emission laboratory in Wageningen. He will also attende the Netherlands Defence Academy in Den Helder on a monthly basis. The PhD candidate is expected to work on-site at least one day per week in Wageningen and two days per week in Delft, with the flexibility to work remotely for the remaining time.During measurement campaigns longer periods in Hemlomnd or Sliedrecht might be required. Also regular visits to the facilities at MARIN, TNO and the fieldlabs are required for cooperation with these partners.

) or dr. Andrea Coraddu ( ).

30 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV.
• Motivational letter.
• Reference letter.

You can address your application to Andrea Coraddu.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.