DLR-DAAD Postoctoral Fellowship Nr. 567: Conceptual Design of Large-Scale High Temperature Electrolyser/Fuel Cell Systems and Process Integration

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!Our Institute of Engineering Thermodynamics in Stuttgart offers a

DLR-DAAD Postoctoral Fellowship

Nr. 567: Conceptual Design of Large-Scale High Temperature Electrolyser/Fuel Cell Systems and Process IntegrationWhat to expect: Large-scale production of green hydrogen and syngas is essential for the defossilisation of many industries. Furthermore, flexible and highly efficient electricity generation is vital for green island grid and maritime applications. In this light, high temperature solid oxide cell (SOC) electrochemical reactors provide an efficient avenue to achieve both goals. Having the ability to operate as electrolysers to produce hydrogen or syngas through co-electrolysis, or as fuel cells to produce electricity, both with the utmost efficiency, they can be utilised in many processes to minimise fossil fuel consumption. Furthermore, SOCs can support the

expansion of renewables through the coupling of energy and industrial sectors to provide energy security. The Electrochemical High Temperature Processes (EHT) group of the DLR works on the development of large scale SOC based systems. This involves both experimental and modelling/simulation based research. These activities are split into four pillars: Conceptual process design, Reactor scale experiments, Transient process simulations, and Large system experiments. Our group is looking to expand our research output within the Conceptual process design pillar. Here we look into how electrochemical reactors could be utilised in large systems to produce high-value products through electrolysis, or to efficiently power complex processes as fuel cells. We are looking for a postdoc that can oversee and push forward the scientific publication activities within our concepting team. This will involve working with and guiding PhD candidates in our group on best practises for publishing papers in the field, as well as making your own contributions. The concepting pillar of our group relies on using modelling tools to accomplish our tasks. This is primarily done through our python based concepting tool CELESTE with some use of flowsheeting software such as ASPEN Plus. Various thermodynamic and process key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to characterise the performance of the system such as exergy, CO2 utilisation, and product yield. Furthermore, we use our transient modelling framework, TEMPEST to add a further dimension to our concept analysis. You will benefit from working on industry relevant projects, utilising your creativity and knowledge of process engineering to produce high quality scientific contributions. Please apply here: DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme - DAAD - Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst

Further information and current vacancies: DLR Current offers - DAAD What we expect from you:

• doctorate degree in Mechanical/Chemical/Process Engineering related fields with a background in reaction, separation and heat transfer processes
• Preference will be given to applicants with strong research experience in process intensification.
• Significant experience in scientific research and publishing is highly advantageous, as is strong knowledge of thermodynamics and process modelling.
• Experience with programming tools (e.g. Python, MATLAB, C++) is highly advantageous.
• Additionally, experience with process flowsheeting software (e.g. ASPEN Plus) is also welcomed.
  
  

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. Further information: Starting date: As soon as possible

Type of employment: Full-time Contact:

Mr. Faisal Sedeqi

E-Mail: Faisal.Sedeqi@dlr.de