Master's thesis (f/m/d): Solar membrane reactors for sustainable methanol production

German Aerospace Center (DLR); Jülich; On-site; EUR 11,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) invites applications for a Master/Bachelor thesis in the Solar Production Process Assessment department to explore sustainable fuels production using solar heat and electricity. You will work on literature review, process modeling in Aspen Plus, and integration of cement plant simulations.

We seek a Process Engineering student with strong Python/MATLAB/C++, and proficiency in Aspen Plus or CHEMCAD, with the ability to learn quickly and work independently.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB and C++.
• Experience with process modelling tools such as Aspen Plus or CHEMCAD is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Literature review on solar membrane reactor concepts for syngas production and their integration into industrial CO2 sources.
• Modeling the membrane reactor in Aspen Plus, starting from an existing cement-plant simulation and a base simulation of methanol synthesis.
• Coupling into the overall system (cement plant, membrane reactor, methanol synthesis) and development of a transferable modeling approach.
• Techno-economic assessment of the overall system in Python, including comparison of reactor concepts.
• Derivation of development corridors: required efficiencies, costs and key figures for competitiveness.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

C++

Education

Enrolled in Process Engineering or related field

Tools

Aspen Plus

CHEMCAD

Job description

The Institute for Future Fuels conducts research on processes for producing fuels and basic chemicals using renewable energy sources and resources. The focus is on the use of solar heat and electricity, as well as sustainable process management.

What To Expect

The Solar Production Process Assessment department of the Institute of Future Fuels develops production routes for the sustainable generation of future chemical energy carriers. The cement industry is one of the largest industrial CO2 sources, since a large share of its emissions is process-related, arising from the calcination of limestone, and cannot be avoided by switching fuels. This makes cement plants an obvious starting point for carbon capture and utilization (CCU). In a solar membrane reactor, the plant's CO2 and water can be converted into a syngas using concentrated solar heat, which is then turned into methanol as a storable energy carrier and feedstock. This thesis is embedded in the EU project SOMMER and carried out in collaboration with European research and industry partners.

Your Tasks

• Literature review on solar membrane reactor concepts for syngas production and their integration into industrial CO2 sources
• Modeling of the membrane reactor in Aspen Plus, starting from an existing cement-plant simulation and a base simulation of methanol synthesis
• Coupling into the overall system (cement plant, membrane reactor, methanol synthesis) and development of a transferable modeling approach that can be applied to other cement plants
• Techno-economic assessment of the overall system in Python, including a comparison of the reactor concepts considered
• Derivation of development corridors: Which efficiencies, costs and other key figures the membrane reactor must reach for the overall system to become competitive

Your Profile

• Student in Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related subject
• Excellent programming skills (such as Python, MATLAB, C++)
• Proficiency in flow chart simulation software (such as Aspen Plus®, CHEMCAD)
• Exceptional ability to learn quickly, and take the initiative independently

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 5 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6382) please contact:

Simon Maier
Tel.: [phone]