2 Ph.D. positions (f/m/x) towards the exploration of the usage of humidification for enhanced waste heat recovery
Votre mission
Context and project objective
To drastically reduce CO2 emissions, we should focus on energy efficiency from combustion systems since currently, half of our primary energy use is lost as waste heat through flue gases. Several technologies for direct or indirect recovery of this waste heat have been developed. Although these techniques result in a drastic reduction of the flue gas temperature, none of them enables the recovery of the latent heat. The main challenges for this heat recovery are the reduction of the temperature below the dew point and achieving significant heat transfer at low temperatures.
Within MARCC (Moist Air energy Carrier for waste heat recovery), we will tackle this by using the problem in the proposed solution, being the use of water evaporation at the cold, inlet air side, to enable the direct recovery of the latent heat released during water vapour condensation from flue gases. We propose the counterintuitive approach of using air humidification for increased waste heat recovery.
Hence, the aim of this project is to develop different pathways for the introduction of water into direct waste heat recovery applications from combustion flue gases, leading to reduced primary energy consumption with the ultimate goal of using water as an energy carrier.
Description of the PhD positions
PhD A: Process Classification and Waste Heat Recovery Potential Assessment
The candidate will analyse heat-intensive industrial processes through literature review and industry interaction to build a comprehensive process database (flow rates, temperatures, humidity, etc.).
Using machine-learning-based graph clustering, representative process categories will be identified.
Based on this classification, the candidate will develop a thermodynamics-based waste heat recovery (WHR) assessment tool, extending a black-box optimisation framework to quantify the maximum achievable heat recovery and primary energy savings. The work will involve modelling in Aspen Plus
and Python, with a strong focus on thermodynamics and exergy analysis.
PhD B: Development and Optimisation of Humidified Heat Recovery Technology
The candidate will develop and optimise an advanced humidified waste heat recovery technology based on indirect evaporative cooling (IEC). This includes detailed modelling of coupled heat and mass transfer processes, identification and reduction of exergy losses, and the design of an improved multi-fluid heat exchanger with gradual water injection. New analytical formulations (modified LMTD/NTU methods) will be derived to enable accurate and computationally efficient system integration and optimisation. The work combines advanced thermal modelling, component design, and system-level optimisation using Aspen Plus and Python.
Description of the Team
This offer is for two PhD positions at the Université de Mons (UMONS). The PhD researchers will be supervised by Prof. Ward De Paepe, founder of UMONS Micro gAsturbine Research Centre of the Thermal Engineering and Combustion Research Unit of the University of Mons (UMONS).
Ideally located in the heart of Europe (1 hour by train ride away from Brussels), the University of Mons (UMONS) offers a wide variety of courses in an enriching environment, as well as close teacher-student relationships. Despite the small size of UMONS, it is nonetheless open to internationalisation. Its
research excellence contributes to the socio-economic development of the entire region.
The Thermal Engineering and Combustion Research Unit is composed of 2 professors and 15 researchers. It brings together all of UMONS’s research and teaching activities, evidently, around heat transfer and combustion. By specialising our research activities on energy in buildings and industry and
its sustainable production, we contribute to tackling the engineering challenges of today and tomorrow: Towards sustainable energy for all!
The research interests of Prof. De Paepe are in the fields of advanced thermodynamic cycle development towards highly flexible and efficient, carbon-clean electricity and possible heat when considering cogeneration and production in the future energy system.
Votre profil
Candidates should be proficient in English, have obtained a Master’s degree in Mechanical, Energy or Chemical Engineering. Experience in programming (ideally Python), thermodynamic analysis using commercial software (e.g., Aspen Plus or equivalent), and a strong background in combined heat and mass transfer, heat exchangers, and process engineering are considered positive evaluation points.
Notre offre
- Starting date: April 2026.
- End date: March 2030 (on a yearly-based contract).
- Location: UMONS (Belgium).
- Salary: 2500€ (approximate net income, on a scholarship base funded by the Wel Research institute).
Intéressé(e) ?
Applications should contain a CV, a letter of motivation, a letter of recommendation, a short analysis of the project idea (max one page, indicating whether you apply for the PhD A or B position), and a short video (2 minutes max) explaining why we should hire the candidate. The application package should be sent to ward.depaepe@umons.ac.be.
UMONS aims to be a diverse and inclusive community. Job vacancies respect the principle of non-discrimination and the recruitment procedure guarantees fair treatment of applications regardless of the gender, presumed race or ethnic origin, social origin, religion or beliefs, disability, age, sexual orientation or political opinions of applicants.
