Postdoctoral Researcher – HyFloatComp

A Post-Doctoral Researcher is sought for the HyFloatComp project. The project is a collaboration with Technical University Shannon Midlands Midwest and the University of Limerick. It is locally hosted in UCC by MAREI, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine. MaREI is a key research centre within UCC’s Environmental Research Institute (ERI), which is an internationally recognised Institute for environmental research dedicated to the understanding and protection of our natural environment and to developing innovative technologies, tools and services to facilitate a transformation to a zero carbon and resource efficient society. The MaREI Centre is an SFI funded research centre and includes 13 other Universities and Third Level Institutes from across Ireland, has 50 industrial partners and has accumulated research funding of approximately €60m. It combines the expertise of a wide range of research groups and industry partners, with the shared mission of solving the main scientific, technical and socio-economic challenges across the climate, energy and marine spaces.  MaREI is also funded by SEAI, EI, EPA, ERDF, EU, HEA, Marine Institute, DCCAE and IRC, as well as through contributions from our industry partners. Researchers in the MaREI Centre have over 30 years of experience in conducting fundamental and applied research supported by competitively won national and international funding, and commercial contracts with government agencies and industry. MaREI’s strengths lie in the multi-disciplinary nature of its research teams, allowing it to combine insights across areas such as MRE Technologies, Materials & Structures, Observations & Operations, Coastal & Marine Systems, Bioenergy, Energy Policy & Modelling and Renewable Energy Management.

 

HyFloatComp aims to develop advanced manufacturing and design approaches for offshore composite hydrogen tanks, which will play a crucial role in the energy supply chain from offshore wind energy to end users. These composite tanks offer flexibility and strength, allowing them to withstand hydrogen pressure and environmental loads. The manufacturing process will utilise laser-assisted tow steering, enabling variable geometry and precise production of the tanks, making them reliable and cost-effective. The project will focus on understanding the structural behaviour of variable angle tow composites under high-pressure hydrogen conditions, considering factors such as fibre distribution and tape geometries.

 

The Post-Doctoral Researcher will advance the conceptual design of hydrogen storage tanks for offshore renewable energy in Irish offshore conditions. The research will address the unique challenges associated with storing hydrogen generated from offshore renewable sources. By assessing variable angle tow (VAT) composite hydrogen tanks, the Post-Doctoral Researcher will contribute to creating safer and more efficient hydrogen storage systems. This research aligns with the principles of non-economic public good research as it aims to provide valuable insights and solutions for sustainable energy production, benefiting society as a whole.