PhD position in Optimization of Balanced Compact Heat Exchangers

Beschrijving

The Thermal and Fluids Engineering research group headed by Prof. M. Baelmans focuses on modeling, numerical simulation, and optimization of thermal, fluid and kinetic transport phenomena. The research group is embedded in the Mechanical Engineering Department of KU Leuven, Europe’s most innovative university [Reuters], member of the EnergyVille research collaboration for sustainable energy research. Applications within the research group range from thermal management in electronic components, over heat transfer and storage devices to thermal networks and nuclear fusion reactors. Starting from dedicated component and system models, existing designs are critically reviewed and implicit design assumptions are challenged. This leads to innovative concepts and designs for electronic devices, coolers, heat exchangers and integrated energy systems. Due to a wide range of applications, a unique combination of expertise in theoretical models, CFD and advanced optimization techniques is available within the research group. Its close collaboration with renowned research institutions in the region such as IMEC, SCK-CEN and Forschungszentrum Juelich, as well as the expertise available in our comprehensive university, add on to the unique and inspiring research environment we create.Compact heat exchangers become more and more crucial to meet future demands for cost-effective and energy-efficient energy systems in a wide range of applications, including e.g. light-weight mobile systems, compressors and ventilation systems.The research group is presently looking for a motivated PhD researcher to work in the context of an interdisciplinary project that brings together research groups from KU Leuven and VITO to drastically improve the overall energy efficiency and material use for such compact heat exchangers, using emerging methods and methodologies in multiscale modeling, automated design and additive manufacturing (AM). In this project, the PhD student is responsible for the further development of the multiscale model, and the efficient shape optimization of the fin arrays in balanced compact heat exchangers, while accounting for constraints imposed by the AM process. To do so, the PhD student will strongly collaborate within the TFE group and with KU Leuven’s renowned Additive Manufacturing research group and the other project partners.While shape optimization based on computational fluid dynamics simulations has revolutionized the design of aerodynamic surfaces and channel surfaces over the last three decades, the development of these techniques for finned heat transfer devices is still an exciting and emerging research domain, in particular its inclusion in the overall heat exchanger design. Within this PhD project we investigate the practical use and limits of multiscale optimization of compact balanced heat exchangers. The research builds on the expertise in the TFE group on multiscale heat transfer modelling, simulation and optimization and on a state-of-the-art finite-element simulation and optimization software for large-scale flow and heat transfer simulations on the basis of the FEniCS software package, that paves the way to finally realize 3D optimal design of balanced compact heat exchangers.

Profiel

You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher, and you are strongly interested in the development of multiscale models, numerical simulation and optimization methods for heat exchangers. Moreover, you are a team player that 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, computer science, mathematical engineering, or related field, or a master degree in applied mathematics, from a reputable institute, with at least distinction,
• A background in related fields such as numerical modeling, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer
• The qualities to carry out independent research, demonstrated e.g., by the grades obtained on your M. Sc. 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 :

The successful candidate is expected to start as early as possible, upon agreement with Prof. BaelmansA targeted start date is to be agreed upon.