DC11 – Hybrid Refrigeration System with Precise Temperature Control Using Thermoelectric Cooling
Objective: Develop hybrid refrigeration systems combining thermoelectric cooling with vapor-compression technology to achieve precise and stable temperature control.
Host Institution: Public University of Navarra (UPNA)
Location: Pamplona, Spain
Main Supervisor: Prof. Dr. David Astrain, (UPNA) Spain
Co-Supervisors: Dr. Alvaro Casi, UPNA (Spain), Dr. Kafil M. Razeeb, UCC (Ireland)
Duration: 36 months (full-time employment)
PhD-awarding Institution: Public University of Navarra
Project Overview
DC11 will focus on the development and validation of a hybrid refrigeration system integrating magnesium-based thermoelectric modules.
The project will address system-level modelling, control-oriented design, and architectural optimisation to exploit the fast response and precise controllability of thermoelectric modules within vapour-compression systems. The research will explore the temperature stability, energy efficiency, and reliable hybrid system operation under realistic load conditions.
This project combines computational modelling, prototype development, and experimental validation to establish system–performance relationships and ensure compatibility with application-oriented refrigeration and cooling technologies within the consortium.
Research Tasks and Training Objectives
The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/div) will:
- Develop system-level numerical models for hybrid vapour-compression and thermoelectric refrigeration systems
- Design and optimise system architectures integrating magnesium-based thermoelectric modules
- Develop control strategies for precise temperature regulation and minimisation of fluctuations
- Construct and assemble a laboratory-scale hybrid refrigeration prototype
- Experimentally evaluate temperature stability, energy efficiency, and dynamic performance
- Collaborate closely with module and reliability-focused DCs within the network
- Participate in secondments, network-wide scientific training, and transferable skills activities
- Disseminate research results through peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, and outreach initiatives
Secondments
To strengthen interdisciplinary and intersectoral training, DC11 will undertake the following secondments:
- EXK (Spain) – 2 months
Focus: Industrial refrigeration system requirements and integration strategies - University College Cork (Ireland) – 4 months
Focus: Integration of advanced thermoelectric modules into hybrid system architectures
Requirements
Education
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Physics, Engineering, or a closely related field. Applicants must be eligible to enrol in a PhD programme at Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Spain.
Technical Competences
- Strong background in refrigeration systems, thermal engineering, or energy systems
- Experience with numerical modelling of thermal systems (e.g., MATLAB, or similar tools)
- Knowledge of control systems and dynamic system behaviour is advantageous
- Experience with experimental system testing or laboratory prototype development is desirable
- Interest in energy-efficient cooling technologies and system integration
Personal Skills
- Strong analytical and system-level problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work independently and within an international interdisciplinary research network
- Excellent written and spoken English
Documents Required
- Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and transcripts (with certified translations if applicable)
- Candidates may apply before obtaining their Master’s degree by submitting a provisional certificate; however, employment cannot commence before the degree is formally awarded
Join MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate
Apply now and become part of MGICIAN as a Doctoral Candidate. Shape the future of sustainable solid-state cooling with us.