This challenge awaits you:
In defossilization, the energy, transport and chemical sectors, hydrogen plays a key role as an energy carrier and chemical raw material. Among the various processes for hydrogen production, PEM electrolysis in particular stands out from other technical alternatives due to its high efficiency and high dynamic capability. However, depending on the load range and operating mode, these advantages can be partially diminished by increased cell degradation and thus by performance losses during long operating times.
In the past, IAV GmbH has developed and validated a comprehensive simulation model for the degradation of PEM fuel cells. The findings and mechanisms of PEM fuel cell ageing are to be transferred to PEM electrolysis in the final thesis or internship. The focus will be on the electrochemically induced degradation of the catalyst and the carrier material.
Your Tasks:
Specifically, the following activities and work steps are to be carried out as part of this Master's thesis or internship. On the part of IAV, the work processes are supported by both degradation and electrolysis experts through existing models, specialist knowledge and content-related discussions:
1. You will research and create concepts: The basic mechanisms of PEM electrolysis degradation are partly identical to PEM fuel cell degradation, but these may differ in kinetics and impact due to the higher voltage level. Therefore, in a first step, the transferability of fuel cell ageing to electrolysis ageing is to be examined on the basis of a literature research. Based on this, an initial model concept is to be created.
2. You model: Once the concept has been created, the actual modeling begins. Initially, a platinum catalyst is to be assumed. The model is checked for plausibility and validated on the basis of literature data.
3. You transfer and generalize: In addition to platinum, other materials such as iridium are also used as catalyst materials. Simulation studies will be used to discuss the transferability of the model approach to other catalysts or configurations.
Necessary Skills:
4. Ongoing Master's degree in a technical or scientific field, for example process engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, physical chemistry or industrial engineering
5. Interest or at best initial experience in the field of electrochemical systems, ideally electrolysis
6. Programming skills, preferably in a relevant programming language or an established simulation tool such as Matlab, Python, Simulink
7. Very good knowledge of German or English (at least C1 level)
8. Strong communication skills, ability to work in a team and an independent and self-reliant working style
Desired Skills:
9. First practical experience in process engineering modeling is desirable
The salary is based on our collective wage and salary agreement. The current monthly salary for this position is EUR 979.
We look forward to receiving your application including cover letter, CV, current performance record and relevant certificates.
You won’t just be working anywhere as a student at IAV. You’ll be right in the middle of it all. Real projects. Exciting future tasks. Completely integrated and side-by-side with IAV experts. Lots of responsibility and at the same time lots of freedom, combining university and work. The result is the best prospects for your professional development. And attractive compensation in accordance with our company wage agreements.
Diversity and equal opportunity are important to us. What matters to us is the individual, with his or her character and strengths.