Master Thesis: Development of operating strategies for the dynamic supply of the reaction gases hydrogen and oxygen via electrolysis for the production of sustainable and bio-based methanol
Within the research project "Nachhaltige Methanolproduktion aus Biomasse und erneuerbarem Strom – MeOH-RES" the production of methanol from biomass and renewable electricity is being investigated. This process route represents a potential alternative to conventional methanol production based on fossil carbon sources. The overall process consists of three stages: oxidation of an aqueous biomass solution, subsequent esterification, and hydrogenolysis of methyl formate to methanol. After esterification, methyl formate is formed as a stable intermediate, which is converted to methanol when renewable electricity is available. The hydrogen required for this step is supplied by an electrolyzer, which simultaneously produces the oxygen needed for the oxidation step. Consequently, methanol production is directly dependent on the availability and fluctuation of renewable energy sources.
The focus of this master’s thesis is the conceptual development of operating strategies for the dynamic supply of the reaction gases hydrogen and oxygen for the overall process. Based on different site scenarios with varying availability of renewable electricity, an integrated overall concept will be developed that considers battery storage, dynamic operation of the electrolyzer, and potential gas buffer storage systems in order to optimize methanol production.
Type of jobs:
- Literature review of concepts for coupling renewable power generation with battery storage, electrolyzers, and gas buffer storage systems
- Literature review on dynamic modeling of electrolysis systems
- Review of different oxygen supply concepts, such as electrolysis, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), and air separation units (ASU)
- Analysis of potential sites for implementing the innovative process route
- Development of a dynamic model to describe the methanol production route
- Sensitivity analysis of the impact of the relevant process parameters
Necessary qualifications:
- You are enrolled in a master’s program in chemical engineering, process engineering, energy engineering, or a comparable field and are close to completing your master’s thesis.
- You have very good knowledge of electrolysis technology, gas supply systems, and energy storage.
- You work independently and in a structured manner.
- You have experience in process modeling
- You are confident in using MS Office.
- You are fluent in either German or English.
Desirable qualifications:
- Solid knowledge of dynamic modeling
Comments:
- As this is a conceptual thesis, the master’s project can be carried out entirely remotely; alternatively, a workplace in Nuremberg can be provided.
- The master’s thesis will be supervised by Prof. Peter Wasserscheid and Dr.-Ing. Michael Geißelbrecht.
