Posting Title Vehicle Thermal Management and Climate Control
Requisition Number 2378BR
Location Golden, CO
Position Type Temporary Employee - Full Time
Hours Per Week 40
Job/Research Summary This position will perform experimental research and numerical modeling on thermal management of vehicles for the Electric Drive Vehicle Climate Control Load Reduction and CoolCab Tasks at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The objective of the Electric Drive Vehicle Climate Control Load Reduction task is to reduce the impact of climate control in vehicles by working with industry to develop more energy efficient thermal management and occupant thermal comfort technologies. The objective of the CoolCab task is to work with the trucking industry to reduce heavy-duty vehicle fuel use during idling and down-the-road. This position is part of the Center for Transportation Technologies and Systems (CTTS) in Golden, Colorado.
Job Duties Use and improve NREL’s vehicle testing and modeling capability by working with the automobile industry on projects to reduce the energy use of vehicle climate control systems. Work with the lead test engineer to conduct outdoor thermal soak testing of vehicles at the Vehicle Testing and Integration Facility (VTIF) to assess technologies to reduce energy usage for climate control. Design experiments, perform data analysis, and conduct measurement uncertainty analysis to obtain quality data. Assist in planning and executing experimental activities in a safe manner. Conduct thermal/fluid analyses of vehicle passenger compartments, climate control systems, and thermal management systems. Work with NREL engineers to perform simulations of thermal systems using 1-D and CFD tools and use analysis results to select components for improved energy efficient thermal systems. For the CoolCab task, use NREL’s CoolCalc software to assess the impact of thermal load reduction techniques on the idle fuel use of heavy trucks. Assist the heavy-duty vehicle industry to develop and optimize climate control systems that do not require the main diesel engine for power. Work with programmers to improve CoolCalc functionality and robustness. Results will be presented to industry partners and the Department of Energy in PowerPoint presentations and technical reports.
Required Education and Experience Relevant Bachelor's Degree or equivalent relevant education/experience.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Attributes Limited use and application of engineering principles, theories and concepts.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills and Attributes At least one year of relevant work experience. Strong heat transfer and fluid dynamics skills. Demonstrated experience with experimental methods and laboratory procedures. Automotive climate control experience. Familiar with data acquisition software (Labview) and Design of Experiments techniques. Experience with mathematical modeling and scientific computing.
Preferred Qualifications Prefer a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering with experience with EnergyPlus, Google SketchUp, and MATLAB software. Experience predicting human thermal comfort and working with automotive OEMs, or first tier suppliers are also preferred.
EEO Policy NREL is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. NREL promotes a work environment that does not discriminate against workers or job applicants and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, actual or perceived sexual orientation, or veteran status, including special disabled veterans. www.nrel.gov/employment/eeo.html .
