Thermofluid modelling of direct air capture systems
Title
Thermofluid modelling of direct air capture systems
Research area and project description
Traditional Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies face challenges such as high capital and operating costs, energy-intensive processes, and the need for dedicated air contactors. This project addresses these issues by utilizing existing industrial cooling towers as air contactors and employing electrochemical methods for efficient CO2 release and absorbent regeneration, thereby reducing costs and energy consumption.
The vision is to develop a scalable and cost-effective DAC technology that can be integrated into existing industrial infrastructure. By leveraging the extensive network of industrial cooling towers, the technology has the potential to capture gigatons of CO2 annually, significantly contributing to global CO2 reduction efforts. The project aims to demonstrate the technology at a pilot scale, optimize its performance, and conduct a techno-economic analysis to pave the way for commercialization.
Project description
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Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
We are looking for motivated and curious candidates interested in pursuing a 3-year PhD at Aarhus University. The project offers an excellent opportunity to develop advanced modelling and simulation skills within a collaborative research environment. The ideal candidate will have most of the following qualifications:
- A solid understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat & mass transfer.
- Experience with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), preferably using tools such as OpenFOAM, STAR-CCM+, or COMSOL Multiphysics, and some programming experience related to CFD model setup or automation.
- Prior exposure to turbulence modelling, multiphase flow, or parallel computing will be considered an advantage, but is not a strict requirement.
- Ability to work both independently and in an interdisciplinary team, and good communication skills in English, both spoken and written.
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Aarhus University, Katrinebjergvej 89F, 8200 Aarhus N., Denmark.
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information regarding the PhD position are invited to contact:
- Mahdi Abkar, abkar@mpe.au.dk (main supervisor)
- Navid Zehtabiyan-Rezaie, zehtabiyan@mpe.au.dk (co-supervisor)
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 21 November 2025 at 23:59 CET.
Preferred starting date is 01 February 2025.
Please note:
- Only documents received prior to the application deadline will be evaluated. Thus, documents sent after deadline will not be taken into account.
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
Please note in your application that you found the job at Jobindex
