Internship/Master Thesis on Batteries - Development and Validation of Multiphysics Models for Redox Flow Batteries The Sustainable Energy Centre is searching for a young student interested in carrying out an internship/master thesis experience in the field of batteries. The ideal candidate is a proactive and dynamic person with good organizational skills, a strong interest in physics, modeling, and computer science, and is motivated to have research experience in an international context. Depending on the outcomes and the interests of the candidate, it will be possible to follow up these research activities with a PhD grant.
The internship/master thesis will focus on multiphysics modeling of redox flow batteries (RFBs), a promising technology for large-scale energy storage. In RFBs, power and energy are decoupled: the former depends mainly on the size of the stack while the latter on the size of tanks containing the redox active species. This feature makes RFBs ideal for economical, large-scale energy storage. However, cost reductions are needed to allow widespread diffusion of this technology. Cell and stack design is a core task required for the development and upscaling of flow battery systems, but redox flow cell models can be very complex due to the multitude of physical phenomena that need to be considered: electric fields, fluid flow, mass and species transport in different components, electrochemical reactions, and heat transfer. All these phenomena need to be considered to identify cell-limiting mechanisms, forecast cell performance, and optimize the design.
The following phases of work are expected:
Training and study of OpenFOAM: FVM implementation, code structure, solver structureAnalysis of different mathematical models used for modeling the different cell components (electrolytes, electrodes, membrane) and physical phenomenaIdentification of the models to be used based on the type of RFB (all-liquid, gas-liquid, with solid deposition)Study of an existing library for modeling electrochemical systemsDevelopment of a solver for modeling redox flow cells and stacks (at least for all-liquid RFBs with active species always dissolved)Model validation based on experimental measurements The student will be supported by FBK's researchers, who will also guide the initial phases of training and the development of the activities.
Requirements: Enrolled in a Master degree in Energy, Chemical or Mathematical Engineering, Physics/Chemistry, or similarBasic knowledge of electrochemistry/batteriesGood knowledge of either Italian or English language (both spoken and written)Know-how on computational methods and in particular finite volume method (FVM)Good programming skills, in particular C/C++Good communication and relational skillsSelf-motivation and result orientation Information on the internship: Starting date: March 2023Duration: minimum 6 months We also offer support for the search for accommodation at affiliated structures and the canteen service (for students not belonging to UniTN).
For further details on the activities, please contact Edoardo Gino Macchi (******).
For any support, further clarification, and/or information, the Human Resources Department will remain available via the address: ******.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
