Master Student*in - Thesis - Toward Accurate Two-Phase Flow Simulations in Electrochemical Cells
Master Student - Thesis - Toward Accurate Two-Phase Flow Simulations in Electrochemical Cells
At the Institute of Energy Technologies - Theory and Computation of Energy Materials (IET-3) we make essential contributions to fundamental understanding of electrochemical phenomena, development and characterization of tailored material solutions, and testing and optimization of new energy technologies. To achieve these goals, a broad spectrum of methods is used, ranging from quantum mechanical simulations to physical-mathematical continuum approaches. Porous media are fundamental in electrochemical cell applications, such as PEM fuel cells (PEMFC), electrolyzers (PEMEC), and alkaline (membrane) water electrolyzers (AMWE). Depending on the cell type, porous media fulfill distinct roles, including the distribution of gas or liquid water to optimize transport processes or acting as a combined transport medium and electrode. To accurately simulate the performance and characteristics of active cells using macro-homogeneous models a detailed understanding of sub-scale properties and effective properties is essential.
The focus of this Master’s thesis aims to generate a variety of physical and artificially constructed porous structures and assess whether the properties of these synthetic models can statistically represent those of physical structures in electrochemical cells. Key properties under investigation include two-phase flow behavior, conductivity, and geometrical characteristics such as pore and particle size distributions. Physical structures will be sourced from existing databases and X-ray tomography imaging. The study will compare pore network models and custom two-phase flow CFD approaches, implemented in OpenFOAM and coupled with electrochemical processes, against experimental data to evaluate model accuracy and reliability. The insights gained will enhance the precision of macro-homogeneous models, such as those simulated within openFuelCell2, expanding its capabilities. Furthermore, this work will establish a comprehensive database for future studies, facilitating the integration of AI techniques to optimize porous media design and performance in electrochemical systems.
- Conduct literature research on multiphase flow dynamics.
- Analyze X-ray imaging data of porous structures for PEMFC/EC and AMWE applications.
- Create digital models of synthetic porous structures to enhance physical data analysis and interpretation.
- Employ pore network models to characterize the properties of these porous structures.
- Compare findings with experimental data and results from two-phase CFD simulations.
- Integrate insights into the OpenFOAM framework, openFuelCell2, as part of the workflow.
Your Profile:
- Undergraduate education with excellent grades in Material Science, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry or a related field
- Good knowledge of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics and/or electrochemistry
- Demonstrated experience in Computational Fluid Dynamics, C++, Linux, Python and OpenFOAM
- Willingness to learn and ability to think outside of the box
- Independent, self-motivated and responsible
- Fluency in English is mandatory
- Fluency in German is advantageous
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:
- Support from the scientists at IET-3 / IET-4, who have deep and diversified expertise in theoretical electrochemistry and materials modeling
- Open-minded and stimulating discussion culture
- Diverse opportunities to develop professional skills
- Excellent prospects and career opportunities in an ever-growing technology sector
- An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented topics
- Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
- Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your Master studies
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.
We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.
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