Do you want to help design and test circular PV modules?
The intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) predicts that the global temperature rise will significantly exceed 2°C, unless CO2 emissions are strongly reduced. Solar photovoltaics (PV) was identified by the IPCC as the technology with the highest potential among emission mitigation options. Scientific studies modelling energies scenarios for net zero emissions by 2050 project that a solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity of about 60 TWp needs to be installed within the next 25 years. To achieve this goal the global installed PV capacity has already doubled from 1 TW to 2 TW in the past 2 years.
The current industrial standard photovoltaic (PV) module design with difficulty in recycling has generated worldwide concerns regarding an estimated stream of 212 million tons of end-of-life PV modules. Thus, research into PV modules designed for circularity is needed.
Research questions/aims: In this project, we aim to accelerate the development of novel liquid-filled circular PV modules, which can be repaired and recycled in a modular manner, similar to the Fairphone. The goal of this project is to improve the new PV module design to equivalent or even better performance and durability compared to existing PV modules and, in the process, train a group of young engineers in developing more circular PV modules to spark future innovations. In parallel, we aim to implement the research findings in a PV start-up company such as Biosphere Solar to introduce the technology to consumers as soon as possible.
List of research goals:
• Experimental comparison of liquid encapsulated PV modules efficiency and reliability on at least on the level of conventional PV modules.
• Demonstrating improved circularity (repairability, remanufacturing, recycling) of liquid encapsulated PV modules.
• Living lab tests of prototypes, providing insights into real life operation conditions to verify energy yield.
Research methods: An iterative design and testing cycle of developing improved prototypes and testing them in terms of performance, durability, repairability and recyclability will be used. The in-house lab tests according to IEC61215 standards will be supported by outdoor testing in a living laboratory. The results will be shared globally as part of the Task 12 on PV Sustainability in the International Energy Agencies (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) to increase the impact and reach of this project.
The program of the PVMD group builds up expertise in the design and fabrication technology from solar cells to PV systems with their power electronics and storage options. You will contribute to the PV & Circularity team in TU Delft’s PVMD group. This can form a strong basis for guiding policy on sustainable supply and use of PV materials as well as promoting actions on the circularity of PV materials and future technical development. This is a project performed under supervision of [see original application].
The PVMD Group is part of the research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:
• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)
The Electrical Sustainable Energy Department provides expertise in each of these areas throughout the entire energy system chain. The department owns the large Electrical Sustainable Power (ESP) Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and a large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection, and wide-area monitoring and protection.
Job requirements: The successful applicant will have:
• Master's degree in physics, sustainable energy technology, material science, electrical engineering, or a related discipline.
• The candidate has a passion for solar energy engineering and is an excellent team player.
• Domain knowledge of solar energy engineering, energy transition, material science, modelling and data analytics is a strong plus.
• Experience with PV module fabrication or testing is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both writing and speaking.
• Ability to work independently and self-driven in a multidisciplinary team.
• Very good command of English. The minimum requirement of a TOEFL score of 100 or IELTS of 7.0. 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 courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science: The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
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: If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact [see original application]. For information about the selection procedure, please contact [see original application].
Application procedure: Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 January 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:
• CV with a list of your publications
• Motivational letter that explains your personal motivation in pursuing a PhD and fit to the job requirements
You can address your application to [see original application]. The candidates will be screened as the applications arrive and the promising candidates will be shortlisted and contacted before the closing of this post. If you are interested, do not wait to apply, we are happy to schedule an interview while the response period is running. You may be asked to provide contact details for references at a later stage in the process. Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level.

PhD Position Innovative Solar Module Design to Enhance Sustainability and Circularity

TU Delft