Thesis: "Simulation-based Investigation of Heterogeneously Catalyzed DME Steam Reforming"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1400 employees are working for a sustainable, economic, safe and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. We are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, company spin-offs and global collaborations.

For our group "Synthesis Products: Application and Characterization", we are looking for a Student Assistant starting at the earliest possible date with the opportunity to write a Bachelor's or Master's thesis.

For about 30 years, the department "Sustainable Synthesis Products" has been researching topics related to the transformation of our energy system towards a hydrogen economy. In this context, dimethyl ether (DME) represents a promising option due to its high hydrogen storage capacity, energy density, ease of handling, and non-toxic properties. To establish DME as part of the hydrogen economy, it is necessary to develop an efficient process to convert DME to hydrogen at the point of demand. For this purpose, the thermochemical heterogeneously catalyzed release via steam reforming is being investigated.
As part of the thesis, a simulation-based investigation of this process step is to be carried out using MATLAB. The focus will be on literature models for reaction kinetics and various industrially established reactor designs.

What you will do

You will conduct a literature research on catalytic DME steam reforming.
You will research kinetic modeling of main and side reactions.
You will create a literature-based kinetic model.
You will analyze the reactions through simulation.
Your tasks will include comparing and validating the simulation results against measurement results from the literature.
You will evaluate industrial reactor configurations.

What you bring to the table

You are enrolled as a student in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, or a comparable field of study.
You have experience with MATLAB or similar simulation platforms and have already gained experience in modeling heterogeneously catalyzed reactions.
You possess good knowledge in the field of reaction kinetics.
Experience in the area of heterogeneous catalysis and basic knowledge of reactor technology, including heat and mass transfer mechanisms, are advantageous but not mandatory.
You value contributing to your team and achieving goals together.
You plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality.
You are proficient in using MS Office.
You have good written and spoken English skills.

What you can expect

Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
Research mix: We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
Supervision: You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for diversity.
After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties.

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a research assistant will be agreed. The remuneration depends on the academic degree.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply online now with your detailed application documents (including cover letter, CV, reference/performance record). We look forward to getting to know you!

Questions about this position will be answered by:

Moritz Poßmann
Phone: +49 761 4588-2273

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 79461 Application Deadline:

Job Segment: Sustainability, R&D Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Environmental Engineering, Research Assistant, Energy, Engineering, Research

Apply now »