DC12 – Thermoelectric Sub-Cooling Systems for High-Efficiency Refrigeration 

Objective: Design and evaluate thermoelectric sub-cooling solutions that improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption in vapor-compression refrigeration systems.

Host Institution: Public University of Navarra (UPNA)

Location: Pamplona, Spain

Main Supervisor: Prof. Dr. David Astrain, UPNA (Spain)

Co-Supervisors: Dr. Álvaro Casi, UPNA (Spain), Dr. Ruomeng Huang, SOTON (UK)

Duration: 36 months (full-time employment)


PhD-awarding Institution: Public University of Navarra

Project Overview

DC12 will focus on the development and evaluation of thermoelectric sub-cooling systems to enhance the energy efficiency of vapour-compression refrigeration technologies within the MGICIAN Doctoral Network.

The project will address system-level modelling, architectural optimisation, and integration strategies to implement magnesium-based thermoelectric modules as dedicated sub-cooling stages. The research will target on improving thermodynamic cycle performance, reducing compressor workload, and enhancing overall energy efficiency.

The project will combine computational modelling, sub-cooling design, and experimental validation to establish system–performance relationships and ensure compatibility with advanced refrigeration technologies developed within the consortium.

Research Tasks and Training Objectives

The Doctoral Candidate (m/f/div) will:

  • Develop computational models for thermoelectric sub-cooling concepts integrated into vapour-compression systems
  • Analyse thermodynamic cycle modifications and quantify expected efficiency gains
  • Design and assemble laboratory-scale refrigeration demonstrators with integrated thermoelectric sub-cooling
  • Experimentally evaluate energy efficiency, cooling performance, and temperature stability
  • Investigate system behaviour under varying operating and load conditions
  • Optimise sub-cooling control strategies for enhanced performance
  • Collaborate closely with module-focused and hybrid-system 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, DC12 will undertake the following secondments:

  • EXK (Spain) – 2 months (Month 14)
    Focus: Industrial refrigeration integration and performance requirements
  • SUSMAT (Germany) – 2 months (Month 24)
    Focus: Reliability and material-interface behaviour of thermoelectric modules under system conditions
  • University of Southampton (UK) – 3 months (Month 30)
    Focus: Advanced system modelling and optimisation of thermodynamic cycles

Requirements

Education

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Physics, 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, thermodynamics, thermal systems, or energy efficiency
  • Experience with numerical modelling of thermodynamic systems (e.g., MATLAB or similar tools)
  • Knowledge of vapour-compression cycles and heat transfer processes
  • Experience with experimental system testing or prototype development is advantageous
  • Interest in energy-efficient cooling technologies and system optimisation

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.

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