The newly founded Institute of Maritime Energy Systems in Geesthacht researches and develops innovative solutions for decarbonization and emission reduction in shipping and transfers them into practice by cooperation with industry. The institute is building a large-scale infrastructure to test and trial the new energy systems to be developed in a standardized laboratory environment as well as under real conditions on a research vessel. Under the research areas "Energy Converters and Systems" and "Electrical Systems and Infrastructure", we are looking for a Student in Mechanical Engineering/ Energy Systems/ Energy Engineering/ Renewable Energy, or comparable.
Today vessels are usually driven by diesel-mechanic or diesel-electric propulsion and energy systems. The rejected heat of the combustion engines is often used to produce steam or hot water heat in order to provide the heat demanded on board for heating, cooling and other consumers. In other cases, efficiency and heat demand have not played a key role so far, so that waste heat is not recovered at all. With the ongoing electrification of ships, the integration of fuel cells and batteries as well as the increasing need for efficiency and emission reduction, the utilization of heat is substantial and energy systems must be designed for thermal as much as for electric optimization. DLR has identified a set of case studies and load profiles, including hybrid-driven vessel types, that shall be modified with novel technologies and show potential for enhanced waste heat recovery (WHR). Through this thesis, the student would help us to understand the heat balance (sources, sinks and transfer mechanisms) and identify the energy savings potential for a real vessel in ship industry. WHR technologies will be chosen and investigated based on the specific energy profile. The exact scope of this thesis can be defined based on the skill-set and interests of the candidate. Accordingly, your tasks could include a subset of:
Qualifications sought:
Compensation:
Students will be compensated up to TVöD 3/5 scale for 15 hours/week, following an initial review of the project plan.