The Chair of Thermodynamics/Thermal Process Engineering always offers interesting topics for bachelor and master theses.

In addition, you are welcome to contact us with your own topic proposal. We will then jointly consider to what extent your desired topic can be worked on at our chair. Just get in touch with us.

Development of a concept for CO2 capture and storage for natural gas engines

Objective:

  • Development of a mathematical model in Python to calculate CO2 capture from flue gases.
  • Development of a concept for a laboratory setup of CO2 capture.

Tasks:

  1. Conduct a literature review:
    • Pressurized water wash, Amine scrubbing, Membrane process
    • Create an application-based evaluation matrix.
  2. Development of a mathematical model using Python:
    • Selection of appropriate mathematical model for membrane
    • Collection of experiments from literature for validation
  3. Development of a laboratory setup to study CO2 capture and storage:
    • Determination of relevant pressures, temperatures, mass and energy fluxes.
    • Select suitable components (membrane, pumps, heat exchanger, valves, mass flux controllers, etc.)

Prerequisites:

  • Basic knowledge of thermodynamics, transport properties, multi-phase flows and physics.
  • First experiences in the field of gas separation and gas cleaning using adsorption, absorption and membrane processes
  • Knowledge of computer science (operating systems, computer technology) and programming (C++, Fortran, Python, Matlab, Perl) is an advantage
  • Solution-oriented, methodical and structured way of working
  • Analytical thinking and creativity
  • High level of teamwork and communication skills
  • Good English or German language skills

The master thesis can be started from 01st November 2023

For further information about the master thesis, please contact Mr. Franken (e-mail: tim.franken(at)b-tu.de).

Please send your application including cover letter, CV and certificates in PDF format (Max. 15MB)to tim.franken(at)b-tu.de

Development of a co-optimization platform for Power-to-X-to-Power plants

Objective:

  • Program an interface to couple methane synthesis reactor and gas engine simulation models
  • Develop the optimization methodology for a Power-to-X-to-Power plant

Tasks:

  1. Prepare a model for methane synthesis reactor
    • Model based on thermodynamic equilibrium
    • Surrogate model development based on neural network, radial basis function or kriging
  2. Prepare a model for natural gas engine
    • Stochastic reactor model coupled with tabulated chemistry
  3. Program the interface to run reactor and engine co-simulation using Python
    • Data transfer between reactor and engine
  4. Develop the optimization methodology in modeFRONTIER
    • Develop the model interface using EasyDriver node
    • Evaluate optimization algorithms and space filler algorithms

Prerequisites:

  • Basic knowledge of mathematics, thermodynamics, physics, chemistry, and fluid dynamics.
  • First experiences in the field of 1D simulation and multi-objective optimization
  • Knowledge of computer science (operating systems, computer technology) and programming (C++, Fortran, Python, Matlab, Perl) is an advantage
  • Solution-oriented, methodical and structured way of working
  • Analytical thinking and creativity
  • High level of teamwork and communication skills
  • Good English or German language skills

The master thesis can be started from 01st November 2023

For further information about the master thesis, please contact Mr. Franken (e-mail: tim.franken(at)b-tu.de).

Please send your application including cover letter, CV and certificates in PDF format (max. 15MB)to tim.franken(at)b-tu.de

3D CFD Simulation of a natural gas engine with passive pre-chamber

Objectives:

  • Development of a 3D CFD model of a natural gas engine
  • Validate 3D CFD model using experimental data from natural gas engine
  • Optional: Investigate the performance of different ignition systems

Tasks:

  1. Prepare a CAD geometry of natural gas engine using AutoCAD inventor
    • Design of individual parts
    • Assembly of parts in one model
  2. Prepare a CFD model of same engine using Converge CFD
    • Preparation of geometry surface
    • Selection of models for turbulence, heat transfer and combustion
  3. Validation of 3D CFD model using experimental data
    • Prepare boundary conditions using 1D GT-Power simulation
    • Grid convergence study
    • Comparison of cylinder pressure and emissions

Prerequisites:

  • Basic knowledge of mathematics, thermodynamics, physics, chemistry, and fluid dynamics.
  • First experiences in the field of 3D CFD simulation
  • Knowledge of computer science (operating systems, computer technology) and programming (C++, Fortran, Python, Matlab, Perl) is an advantage
  • Solution-oriented, methodical and structured way of working
  • Analytical thinking and creativity
  • High level of teamwork and communication skills
  • Good English or German language skills

The master thesis can be started from 01st November 2023

For further information about the master thesis, please contact Mr. Franken (e-mail: tim.franken(at)b-tu.de).

Please send your application including cover letter, CV and certificates in PDF format (Max. 15MB) to tim.franken(at)b-tu.de

Analysis of theoretical models describing the thermodynamic properties of catalytic surfaces

Supervisor:Rakhi

Start: Immediately

Catalytic surfaces play a pivotal role in numerous industrial processes, serving as catalysts for chemical reactions that enable the efficient conversion of raw materials into valuable products. Understanding the thermodynamic properties of these catalytic surfaces is essential for optimizing their performance and designing novel catalytic systems with enhanced efficiency. Theoretical models provide a powerful approach to explore and interpret the underlying mechanisms governing these intricate surface phenomena.

This master thesis aims to delve into the fascinating realm of catalytic surfaces by analyzing various theoretical models that describe their thermodynamic properties. By merging principles of surface science, chemical engineering, and computational modeling, this research seeks to shed light on the fundamental interactions occurring at the atomic level, uncovering insights that hold immense potential for advancing catalysis-driven technologies.

Tasks:

  • Literature review, computational simulations, and data analysis.
  • Utilizing advanced computational tools and software packages, theoretical models will be implemented to simulate the solid surfaces under different theories.
  • The gathered data will be thoroughly analyzed and compared to experimental results (if available), ensuring a robust evaluation of the models' performance.

Prerequisites:

  • Master student in process engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, chemistry, Applied mathematics, Physics or comparable studies;
  • IT knowledge: experienced handling of office software and data processing software (such as gnuplot and CASTEP), coding skills are welcome;
  • Prior experience or coursework in computational chemistry, molecular modeling, DFT or using quantum chemistry software packages would be advantageous;
  • Proficiency in relevant mathematical tools and techniques is valuable.
  • Interpersonal skills: capacity for independent work, excellent programme achievement, curiosity.

Interested? Then email: rakhi(at)b-tu.de

Simulation of lithium-ion accumulators

Supervisor: Adina Werner

Start: immediately

The Chair of Thermodynamics/Thermal Process Engineering is looking for students who would like to carry out a final thesis (Bachelor's/Master's) in the field of simulation of lithium-ion accumulators.

A programme already exists at the chair, which needs to be expanded and improved. This includes sensitivity analyses of already existing models, introduction of new models, validation against further experiments.

The exact topic can be adapted to the respective interests.

Please contact: adina.werner(at)b-tu.de

Simulation of diesel sprays

Supervisor: Adina Werner

Start: immediately

The Chair of Thermodynamics/Thermal Process Engineering is looking for students who would like to carry out a final thesis (Bachelor's/Master's) in the field of simulation of diesel sprays. Extensive software for 3D CFD simulation is available at the chair. The existing models must be further analysed and improved. Priority must be given to adapting them to existing experimental data. Furthermore, they have to be improved with respect to their required simulation time.

The exact topic can be adapted to the respective interests.

Please contact: adina.werner(at)b-tu.de