Thesis: Investigation of a system for LOHC-based hydrogen storage 1 in Freiburg bei Solar Energy Systems

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1,400 employees work for a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our main research areas of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, company spin-offs and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

In the course of the transformation to a sustainable and CO2-neutral economic and energy system, hydrogen (H2) will play a decisive role as a platform molecule in the future. In order to integrate H2 into the energy system on a large scale, solutions for its storage and transportation are needed in addition to the sustainable production of H2 via electrolysis. To increase the volumetric energy density and simplify H2 logistics, the conversion of H2 into a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC), is advantageous. The current challenge is to develop suitable material systems and catalysts for efficient thermochemical coupling (hydrogenation) and decoupling (dehydrogenation) of H2.

In the department "Sustainable Synthesis Products" at Fraunhofer ISE, several test stands are operated for this purpose in order to investigate the behavior of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation in the laboratory and miniplant scale.

The aim of the thesis is to investigate the kinetic behavior of a novel catalyst during hydrogenation and dehydrogenation in detail and to optimize the experimental conditions for the reaction. Preliminary studies have already been carried out for this purpose. On this basis it will be possible to optimize the laboratory set-up and collect and evaluate kinetic experimental data. With the help of the kinetics model set up as part of the final thesis, the technical maturity of LOHC technology is to be increased in order to advance the transition from fossil fuels to H2.

For our group "Power-to-Liquids" we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a bachelor, master or diploma thesis as soon as possible.

What you will do

• You conduct literature research on LOHC systems, reaction conditions and process engineering implementation based on the current state of the art.
• You will familiarize yourself with the experimental procedures for catalyst production and kinetics measurement.
• You expand and improve an existing laboratory facility to collect high quality kinetic experimental data.
• You implement a procedure for automated, model-based data evaluation.
• You visualize and interpret the experimental data.
• You adapt the existing reactor model on the basis of the kinetics data obtained.
• You summarize the results in the form of a thesis.

What you bring to the table

• You are studying chemistry, chemical engineering, process engineering, energy technology, environmental technology or a comparable field.
• Ideally, you have already gained experience abroad.
• Experience with practical work in the laboratory would be desirable.
• You have an affinity for computer-aided data evaluation and modeling.
• You already have good technical knowledge in the field of reaction engineering.
• You plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality.
• You can express yourself confidently in both German and English.

What you can expect

• You will work with one of the most popular employers on a par with the best.
• Open-minded colleagues are happy to welcome new talents into their ranks.
• We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work from home at times.
• We also foster a cooperative working atmosphere and open communication.
• We value equal opportunities and allow room for diversity.
• You can participate in attractive sports and health programs and after-work activities.

Remuneration is based on the degree of completion of the university education.

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.