How to design and use battery systems on board of ships in such a way that thermal runaway is avoided?
Job description
The project Thermal Runaway is a project funded by the Dutch Ministry of Defense. They are interested in the safe and efficient use of batteries as energy storage systems on board of naval vessels. The aim of the project is to avoid thermal runaway of these batteries in ships, because thermal runaway could result in a lot of damage to the battery system, the ship and its crew.
The main research question is: How to design safe battery energy storage system for naval vessels?
Important subquestions are:
- How can the thermal behavior (including the runaway) of batteries be understood and modelled? This includes factors like the load cycles of the batteries, but also possible mechanical damage due to missile impact.
- What can be done to minimize the risk of thermal runaway? This includes factors like the battery chemistry, the containment and the cooling of the battery.
- In case a thermal runaway happens, how can the damaged be minimized?
The research will be a combination of modelling, design and experimental work, and includes understanding of the energy system on board of the ship, the battery chemistry,the cooling system and the mechanical construction and containment.
The research will be carried out in close cooperation with national academic and industrial partners, such as the Netherlands Defense Academy. The PhD researcher will collaborate with the researchers working on the NWO-funded projects Maritime Batteries and SEANERGETIC. The industrial partners will provide excess to use cases and recorded data of state-of-the art zero-emission ships.
The candidate will be part of a team of PhD students working on different aspects of energy transition in the maritime sector. The candidate will work at the Delft University of Technology, in the Department of Maritime & Transport Technology, in the Group Sustainable Drive and Energy Systems under the supervision and guidance of Henk Polinder.
Job requirements
We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic PhD candidate who has expertise and/or interest in modelling and design of battery systems, with an MSc degree related to this areas: electrical power engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemical engineering.
Other characteristics of a suitable candidate:
- proactive,
- independent,
- able to interact with different stake holders,
- good communication skills (in English)
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
Faculty Mechanical Engineering
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.
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Conditions of employment
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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, 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.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, you can contact dr.ir. Henk Polinder, (h.polinder@tudelft.nl).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- A cover letter stating your motivation
- Detailed curriculum vitae (including a list of publications)
- If the applicants are selected for an interview, they will be asked to provide contact details of up to three professional referees with their consent
You can address your application to dr.ir. Henk Polinder.
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.
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