Master Thesis - Modeling and Optimization of a Direct Air Capture Plant

Your Job:

The adsorption process of a Direct Air Capture (DAC) plant is typically operated cyclically, which complicates energy supply and downstream process steps. Through a thought-out configuration or rotation of the adsorption columns, this cyclical process can be transformed into a continuous process. The goal of this simulation-based work is to model a large-scale DAC plant that produces CO2 continuously. Specifically, this master`s thesis includes the following work packages:

• Literature review on process modeling of DAC systems
  
• Familiarization with the simulation software Aspen Adsorption
  
• Development of a large-scale DAC process that operates continuously
  
• Techno-economic evaluation of the developed model
  
• Thesis writing and preparation of a presentation for the colloquium
  

Your Profile:

• Strong academic performance in your ongoing Master`s studies in (environmental) process engineering, energy engineering, mechanical engineering, or a comparable field of study
  
• Enthusiasm for the subject area of negative emissions
  
• Interest in process simulations and the economic evaluation of processes
  
• High level of independence and a structured working style
  
• Prior knowledge in process simulation with Aspen Plus or Aspen Adsorption can be helpful for onboarding but is explicitly not required
  
• Fluent German or English language skills, both written and spoken
  

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• A diverse, highly motivated team within one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Intensive supervision of your work, both on-site and online
  
• The option to complete significant parts of your work from home
  
• The opportunity to learn relevant software such as Aspen Plus and Aspen Adsorption, providing valuable qualifications for your future career
  
• Insights into the future-critical field of negative emissions
  
• Flexible working hours and appropriate remuneration
  
• The possibility of pursuing a PhD at IET-4 after your master’s thesis, depending on your abilities and available funding for a position
  
• The position is initially for a fixed term of 6 months
  

Further information about the project is available via the following link: https://www.dacstore-project.com/en

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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.