Join us > Job offer

PhD position (FPI): Development of control systems for efficiency and durability improvement in PEM fuel cell based systems

Date of call

30/01/2012

Deadline

17/02/2012

Responsible

Maria Serra Prat

Type

Grant

Warning Warning: this offer is out of date!

Description

The thesis is integrated to the research project DPI2011-25649 of the Spanish Science and Innovation Council, which belongs to the Automatic Control Group of the Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial (UPC-CSIC).
The introduction of hydrogen technologies in the market of stationary and mobile powered applications has recently begun and they are now part of the major R&D programs of numerous important companies. However, to extend their current applicability and competitiveness, it is necessary that they become more reliable devices, providing more safety for the users, increasing their efficiency, and extending their lifetime. It is therefore of vital importance to provide these devices with efficient control systems to ensure an optimal performance for all its operating conditions.
The core of this PhD thesis, i.e. the development of advanced controllers and observers for fuel cell based systems, will contribute to enhance the efficiency and durability of the current devices, which are critical points for a future massive use.

Requirements

Knowledge: The selected PhD student is expected to be highly motivated to start research activities that combine control engineering, optimization and multidomain modelling with applications to new technologies of PEM fuel cells, ethanol reformers and/or electrolysers.

The ideal candidate would have organisational skills and initiative to carry out independent research; have a solid background in control systems and mathematics; be able to work as part of an interdisciplinary team; and have the written and verbal skills necessary to present scientific ideas clearly.
Experience: Previous experience of developing mathematical algorithms and simulation models in MATLAB, and of designing and analyzing feedback control systems, would be advantageous.
Languages: A good English level is required. Additional knowledge of Catalan and/or Spanish will be helpful, but not mandatory.
Other: The project includes several experimental stages at the Fuel Cells Control Laboratory of the UPC. Thus, technical knowledge of real time systems, sensoring and data acquisition is welcome.

Contacts

Please, send your documentation before 17/02/2012 to:

Email: jobs (at) iri.upc.edu
Address: C/ Llorens i Artigas 4-6, 2a planta. 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Fax: 93 401 57 50
Note: Please, remember to reference the offer (ID-14) and include the following documentation: please, attach a CV summarizing backgrounds and academic transcripts (only undergraduate degree is required). Feel free to send any inquiry about the project and conditions.