Our team and mission

This position is based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) - Noordwijk, Netherlands

Electric energy storage is crucial for all space applications. Batteries are used in launchers as well as in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and science spacecraft when energy from sunlight is unavailable. The most important characteristic of a space battery is specific energy, measured in Wh/kg. Since most lithium-ion battery developments are currently happening for terrestrial applications, spin-in into the space sector is of utmost importance. Current developments aim to further improve the specific energy of new lithium-ion space batteries.

The Energy Storage Section covers all aspects of energy storage for space applications, typically primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors. The Section is at the forefront of these developments, leading R&D activities, supporting space missions, and performing independent testing of novel battery technologies in our own battery test facility.

To assess the sizing and performance of batteries for different missions, an independent battery model has been developed and validated. This model will be utilized to simulate different cases, which can occur on the battery during different mission phases.

Candidates interested are encouraged to visit the ESA website: http://www.esa.int

Field(s) of activity for the internship

Topic of the internship: Space Li-Ion Cell and Battery Modelling and Simulations

The aim of this opportunity is to perform battery simulations using our independent battery model in close cooperation with the energy storage engineers and the power management engineers in the team. Different mission scenario including the launch phase, failure cases, abusive conditions as well as end of life performance shall be simulated. 
A further task will be to advance the battery models of the Energy Storage Section. Existing models shall be refined and optimized and new models for new cell types or battery configurations may have to be developed. These model developments will be supported by experimental testing at our own test facility.
You will draw up test plans and work closely with all the Section members and the test facility team to implement the tests.
The data will be assessed and the models built based on the experimental results.

During your internship, you will work on the following core activities:

• Simulation of Li-ion space batteries performance during different space mission scenarios;
• Modelling of Li-ion batteries for space applications;
• Refinement of cell and battery models and related documentation;
• Definition and testing of battery cells and batteries;
• Evaluation of test results and extraction of test parameters;
• Writing a comprehensive report and presenting the work at the end of the project.

The scope of work could be expanded to cover the following:

• Developing new Li-Ion cell model;
• Li-ion battery abuse testing in space-relevant conditions.

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation
Operational Efficiency
Fostering Cooperation
Relationship Management
Continuous Improvement
Forward Thinking

For more information, please refer to ESA Core Behavioural Competencies guidebook

Education

You must be a university student, preferably in your final or second-to-last year of a university course at Master’s level and you need to remain enrolled at your University for the entire duration of the internship.

Additional requirements

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

The candidate shall have a demonstrated knowledge of Li-Ion cell and battery technology modelling and simulation along with relevant hands-on experience in testing, data processing and analysis. 

Knowledge and background in space batteries is an asset.