11. Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT
11. Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT
◼ Research Field
- “Advancement of a Microscale Model for Electrosynthesis using OpenFOAM”
Target: The goal of the internship is to enhance and refine a microscale electrosynthesis model in OpenFOAM. The fundamental modeling framework is already in place, providing a solid basis for further development.
The next steps focus on extending the model to implement complex electrochemical reaction mechanisms, enabling more realistic descriptions of electrosynthesis pathways. Additionally, complex electrode microstructures will be simulated on a high-performance computing environment to capture local transport and reaction gradients. Finally, parameter studies will be performed to identify optimal operating conditions and support the design and improvement of experimental setups.
Motivation and Background: Modeling electrosynthesis is driven by the growing need for more sustainable chemical production pathways. Electrosynthesis offers a promising alternative to fossil-based processes by using electricity - ideally from renewable sources - as a clean reagent for chemical reactions. By simulating the underlying physicochemical phenomena at the microscale, researchers can better understand reaction selectivity, optimize catalyst behavior, and design more efficient electrode architectures. Such modeling efforts accelerate the development of scalable, low-waste, and energy-efficient processes, ultimately supporting the transformation toward a greener chemical industry and a more sustainable production landscape.
(Task)
1. Familiarization and immersion with the mathematical modeling approach, fundamentals of electrosynthesis and the existing OpenFOAM solver.
2. Solver development, setup of simulation cases, meshing complex structures and performing parameter variation studies
(Requirements)
o Studies in the fields of engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, or comparable.
o Fundamental knowledge of OpenFOAM and basic programming skills (C++) are required.
o Interest in electrochemical processes, energy systems, and their mathematical modeling.
o Strong communication and writing skills in English.
o Independent working style and ability to collaborate effectively in a team.
This internship provides an excellent opportunity to engage in meaningful research on clean energy technologies and develop valuable skills in modeling and implementation of complex physical phenomena, data analysis, and applied research.
◼ Required Research Field of Study
- engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, or comparable
◼ Description of Research Activities During the Program
1. Familiarization and immersion with the mathematical modeling approach, fundamentals of electrosynthesis and the existing OpenFOAM solver.
2. Solver development, setup of simulation cases, meshing complex structures and performing parameter variation studies
◼ Research Equipment or Software to be Used
- Simulation Software like OpenFOAM and COMSOL Multiphysics
※ any specific requirements or important information
Requirements:
o Studies in the fields of engineering, physics, chemistry, computer science, or comparable.
o Fundamental knowledge of OpenFOAM and basic programming skills (C++) are required.
o Interest in electrochemical processes, energy systems, and their mathematical modeling.
o Strong communication and writing skills in English.
o Independent working style and ability to collaborate effectively in a team.
◼ Website
- https://www.ict.fraunhofer.de/en.html
12. Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM
◼ Research Field
- Physical engineering / microfluidics / CAD design / Simulation
Point-of-care test systems
Organ-on-a-Chip (Joint, Liver, Lung, Brain-on-a-Chip)
Bioprint (single cell performance center)
◼ Required Research Field of Study
- Physics, Microfluidics, Engineering or Natural sciences
◼ Description of Research Activities During the Program
- The planned topic is microfluidics and Organ-on-a-Chip technologies, focusing on the design, simulation, and validation of microfluidic chips for biological applications.
◼ Research Equipment or Software to be Used
- SolidWorks, Comsol or ANSYS, Oxygen Plasma, Incubator, Soft Lithography
※ any specific requirements or important information
- Fluent in spoken and written English
◼ Website
- https://www.imm.fraunhofer.de/