Thesis "Simulation of Dynamic Methanol Synthesis from CO₂ and Hydrogen"

As one of the world's largest solar energy research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition by providing concrete, implementable technological solutions through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, our ~1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting-edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

Would you like to actively help shape the energy transition and write your thesis in this field? With us, you will find the experts and the environment to make these goals a reality.

You will support our group “Synthesis Products: Separation Processes and Production Technologies,” which works on the Power-to-Liquids concept—i.e., the conversion of “green” hydrogen from renewable electricity into sustainable energy carriers, chemicals, and fuels. In addition to efficient transport and storage properties, liquid energy carriers offer the opportunity to create an alternative to fossil energy sources, including in sectors that depend on carbon-based fuels. To enable the energy-efficient and economic production of sustainable synthesis products, our group investigates innovative process concepts based on CO₂ and hydrogen in laboratory and pilot-scale facilities.

For our group “Synthesis Products: Separation Processes and Production Technologies,” we are looking for a student assistant as of 01.02.2027 with the opportunity to write a thesis for the following tasks:

- You will work in a dynamic team of students and engineers.

- Your tasks will initially include a literature review and familiarization with the fundamentals of reaction engineering and process engineering.

- You will familiarize yourself with the MATLAB software and the existing reactor model.

- You will model various operating strategies for dynamic methanol synthesis.

- You will evaluate the investigated processes based on your simulation results.

- Optionally, you will also consider economic aspects.

- You will present your results within our group and optionally summarize them in your thesis.