Position Opening: Numerical Heat Transfer Modeling of a Solar Particle Receiver

Laboratory/Faculty: Solar Thermal Energy Laboratory (Dr. Justin Lapp)
Opening Type: PhD Research Project

Dr. Lapp is seeking a PhD student to perform numerical heat transfer modeling and experimental validation of a new design of concentrated solar power (CSP) particle receiver. The student will develop a complex heat transfer simulation which can evaluate the output temperatures and efficiency of a device in which particles are heated by direct solar radiation to temperatures up to 1400°C. The simulation will then be used to optimize the design of the device and evaluate the potential of a large scale version. The student will also be able to perform experiments in the lab to heat particles under radiation in order to determine thermal properties of particle beds and validate the simulation. A good heat transfer and computational background is required.

Necessary qualifications

  • Strong background in thermodynamics and heat transfer
  • Strong computational skills, experience with simulations
  • Technical writing experience and comfort publishing in peer-reviewed journals
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a group
  • Excellent English skills

To Apply: Contact Dr. Justin Lapp (Justin.Lapp@maine.edu), and include a statement of interest, a CV and sample publications, transcripts of bachelor’s and/or master’s studies.