Master's Thesis "Techno-Economic Analysis of Power-to-X Plants"

As one of the worlds largest solar research institutes the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable economical secure and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to drive the energy transition forward with practically applicable technological solutions through excellent research results successful industry collaborations and spin-offs. With around 1300 employees we conduct research in four main areas: energy supply energy distribution energy storage and energy use. The state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure of Fraunhofer ISE with 22300 m² of laboratory space enables cutting-edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

You support our Sustainable Synthesis Products department which focuses on the Power-to-Liquids concept i.e. the conversion of green hydrogen from renewable electricity into sustainable energy carriers chemicals and addition to efficient transport and storage properties liquid energy carriers offer the opportunity to provide an alternative to fossil energy sources even in sectors that rely on the use of carbon-based fuels. For the energy-efficient and economically viable production of sustainable synthesis products our group investigates innovative process concepts based on the feedstocks CO2 and hydrogen in laboratory- and pilot-scale facilities. Your task is to support us in process development and the techno-economic assessment for the production of aviation fuels from methanol.

To support our group Synthesis Products: Separation and Production Technologies we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a masters thesis to take on the following tasks:

• You work in a dynamic team of students and engineers.
• Your tasks initially include literature research and familiarisation with the fundamentals of cost estimation for chemical equipment.
• You familiarise yourself with the Aspen Plus software and the existing process simulation.
• You optimise the existing process simulation for the production of aviation fuel from methanol.
• You carry out a techno-economic assessment of the overall process.
• You present your results to our group and summarise them in your masters thesis.

What you contribute

• You study process engineering chemical engineering energy engineering industrial engineering or a comparable field.
• Knowledge of techno-economic assessments of processes and process simulations is an advantage but not a requirement.
• Ideally you have already worked with Aspen Plus.
• It is important to you to contribute to your team and to achieve goals together including in an interdisciplinary environment.
• You plan upcoming work steps independently and proactively set priorities and ensure appropriate time management.
• You formulate your ideas clearly and listen attentively to others.
• You prepare and deliver presentations with confidence have a confident manner and are able to convince others.
• You have very good German and English language skills.

What we offer

• 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 student assistant is agreed. Remuneration is based on the level of your university 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.

Ready for change Apply now with your detailed application documents (including CV cover letter employment references/certificates and/or academic transcript) and make a difference! After we receive your online application you will automatically receive a confirmation of receipt. We will then contact you as soon as possible to let you know the next steps.

Questions about this position will be answered by:
Franz Mantei und Ramy Essam
E-Mail:
E-Mail:

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

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Requisition Number: 83332