Internship/master thesis on batteries - Validation of multiphysics models for redox flow batteries

The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) is looking for a young student interested in carrying out an internship/master thesis experience in the field of batteries.
The ideal candidate is a proactive and dynamic person with good organizational skills, a strong interest in physics, modeling and computer science and, of course, motivated to have research experience in an international context. The internship/master thesis will focus on multiphysics modeling of redox flow batteries.
Redox flow batteries (RF Bs) are a promising technology for large scale energy storage.
In RF Bs power and energy are decoupled: the former depends mainly on the size of the stack while the latter on the size tanks containing the redox active species.
This feature makes RF Bs ideal for economical, large-scale energy storage.
However, cost reduction is in order for allowing a widespread diffusion of this technology.
Cell and stack design is a core task required for the development and upscaling of flow battery systems but redox flow cells models can be very complex due to the multitude of physical phenomena that need to be considered: electric fields, fluid flow, mass and specie transport in different components, electrochemical reactions, heat transfer.
All these phenomena need to be considered to identify cell-limiting mechanisms, forecasting cell performance and optimizing the design. We are looking for a motivated intern to support the development and validation of a multiphysics solver for redox flow battery simulations.
The role involves working with an in-house existing solver based on OpenFOAM, testing it on various cell geometries, and conducting detailed post-processing.
The intern will compare simulation results with experimental and literature data to enhance model accuracy and performance.
This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in CFD and multiphysics modeling and contribute to the advancement of energy storage technologies. The following phases of work are expected: Training and study of OpenFOAM: FVM implementation, code structure, solver structure Analysis of different mathematical models used for modeling the different cells components (electrolytes, electrodes, membrane) and physical phenomena Study and use of an existing library for modeling electrochemical systems Preparing numerical analysis of redox flow batteries Creating CAD models for the testing purposes Post-processing of simulation outcomes Model validation based on experimental measurements The student will be supported by FBK’s researchers and the researcher will also guide the initial phases of training and the development of the activities. Required qualification: Enrolled in Master degree in Energy, Chemical or Mathematical Engineering, Physics/ Chemistry or similar; Strong fundamentals of theory of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, mass and heat transfer; Fundamentals of numerical methods and their applications, in particular Finite Volume Method (FVM); Knowledge of general CFD concepts and workflows: pre-processing, runtime-processing, post-processing, meshing, turbulence modelling, etc. ; Fluency in one or more CAD softwares like: Solid Works, Salome, Free Cad, Blender; Basic knowledge of electrochemistry / batteries; Practical experience in at least one programming language.
Ideally C, C++ or Python; Ability to work in an international team; Excellent problem-solving skills and attentions to details; Good level of English (both spoken and written). Information about the internship: Starting date: from April 2025 or later Duration: 6 months We also offer support for the search for accommodation at the affiliated structures and the canteen service (for students not belonging to UniTN). For further details on the activities please contact Maciej Marczak (mmarczak@fbk. eu) and Edoardo Gino Macchi (emacchi@fbk. eu). For any support, further clarification and/or information, please contact: jobs@fbk. eu