Master Thesis – Simulation of a Biogas fed Solid Oxide Electrolysis - Fischer Tropsch Synthesis System
A promising technology investigated at the Institute of Energy Technologies - Fundamental Electrochemistry (IET-1) is the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC), which enables the energy efficient production of syngas using co-electrolysis - Turning CO2 and H2O into the CO- and H2-rich syngas, which serves as the base of carbon-neutral commodity chemical, E-fuel or sustainable aircraft fuel production.
Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a tested technology to turn syngas into a wide range of synthetic liquid hydrocarbons. Nowadays, the shift from fossil to renewable carbon feedstocks, is necessary for the chemical industry and can be achieved by combining the SOEC technology with FTS, while using biogas as a feedstock. To determine the economic viability, energy- and carbon efficiency of this process, rigid process simulations of a realistic biogas-fed 40-kW Reformer-SOEC-FTS system, the selection of optimal process parameters and clever heat integration is necessary.
Your Job
The objective of this thesis is to implement, analyse and optimize the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in a biogas-fed Reformer-SOEC-FTS system. Your work will be to develop and validate a model of the entire FTS process in Aspen Plus, including reactions, separation and purification. Your model will then be coupled with an existing model of a 40-kW SOEC and reformer demonstrator unit. In a next step you will conduct heat integration analysis and define optimal process parameters for this system. Depending on the final scope, you will also apply the system to typical load profiles of biogas-producing plants and perform a techno-economic analysis for this scenario.
Your Responsibilities Within the Team
- Literature review of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process simulations
- Familiarisation with Aspen Plus modelling
- Implementation of an FTS process model in Aspen Plus, including reactions, product separation and purification
- Validation of your model using available literature data
- Coupling of your model with an existing 40 kW SOEC and Reformer demonstrator model
- Heat integration within the Reformer-SOEC-FTS system
- Definition of system boundaries, operating cases and optimal operating conditions
- Applying realistic load profiles to the model
- Performing a techno-economic analysis
- Documentation and critical discussion of assumptions, methods and results
- Opportunity to contribute to further scientific work or a publication
Expected Results
The thesis should conclude in a rigid, validated simulation model of a coupled Reformer-SOEC-FTS process. The model should be able to handle a range of different operating parameters, point out limits of the system as well as determine optimal parameters regarding cost, energy or carbon efficiency for a heat integrated system.
Your Profile
- Currently pursuing a master’s degree in process engineering, energy engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or a comparable field of study
- Strong interest in Power-To-X technologies, system optimization and process modelling
- Basic knowledge of chemical reaction engineering, thermodynamics and system-level energy balances
- Experience with process simulation software (especially Aspen Plus) is preferred
- Knowledge of electrochemistry, high-temperature electrolysis (SOEC) and Fischer-Tropsch synthesis is beneficial
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, as well as the ability to work as part of a team
- Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level. Knowledge of the German language is not mandatory but certainly appreciated
Our Benefits for You
- Meaningful Tasks: Your thesis deals with a future-oriented, socially relevant topic with direct practical relevance in an international environment
- Practical relevance: With us, you will gain valuable practical experience alongside your studies and actively participate in interdisciplinary projects
- Scientific environment: You can expect excellent scientific equipment, modern technologies, and qualified support from experienced colleagues
- Onboarding & teamwork: You can look forward to working in a dedicated, international, and collegial team. It is important to us that you quickly settle into the team and are given structured training for your tasks. We also support you from the very beginning and make your start easier with our Welcome Days and Welcome Guide
- Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
- Flexibility: Flexible working hours make it easier for you to balance work and study
- Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
- Fair remuneration: We will pay you a reasonable remuneration for your thesis
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.
The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey
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