Your responsibilities
Topic: Dynamic Electrochemical Cell Modeling for Industrial Alkaline Water Electrolysis
in cooperation with Forschungszentrum Jülich
Background
Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE) is a key technology for large-scale hydrogen production and an essential component of industrial decarbonization strategies. As AWE systems are increasingly operated under dynamic and load-flexible conditions, reliable and physically sound modeling approaches are required to support system design, operation, and optimization.
Current industrial models often rely on simplified component descriptions. Strengthening the physical basis of electrochemical modeling while ensuring compatibility with plant-level simulation environments is therefore of growing importance.
Objective of the Doctoral Project
The objective of this doctoral project is the development and validation of dynamic, physics-based models for alkaline water electrolysis with a strong focus on industrial applicability. The core of the work is the formulation of mechanistic models at cell and component level, capturing the relevant electrochemical, transport, and thermal phenomena governing performance and transient behavior. Based on these detailed descriptions, suitable reduced and system-compatible model structures will be derived to enable integration into dynamic process and plant simulation frameworks. The project aims to enhance predictive capabilities for industrial AWE systems and to provide a consistent modeling basis across different levels of abstraction.
Key Research Topics
- Analysis and critical assessment of state-of-the-art AWE modeling approaches
- Development of dynamic, physics-based electrochemical cell or component models
- Investigation of transient behavior under industrially relevant operating conditions
- Validation using experimental and/or operational data
- Derivation of reduced-order model representations
- Integration into higher-level dynamic system models
Collaboration Structure
The doctoral project is carried out as a joint research cooperation between thyssenkrupp nucera and a partner research institute, combining:
- scientific research in the field of electrochemical modeling, and
- industrial application and validation using real process data and system models.
Your profile
We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral candidate with:
- A degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, electrochemistry or a related field
- Strong interest in modeling, simulation, and numerical methods
- Experience with or interest in programming and scientific computing (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
- Analytical thinking and a structured working style
- Motivation to work at the interface between research and industrial application
- Very good English skills; German is an advantage but not mandatory
Your benefits
As part of the thyssenkrupp group, we offer our employees high level conditions and many benefits:
- performance-related compensation according to collective agreement Metal & Electro NRW
- attractive old-age provision models
- groupwide learning measures
- thyssenkrupp Group health campaigns and programs
At thyssenkrupp nucera, we attach great importance to individual needs - to this end, we are constantly developing as an employer and offer a wide range of benefits for your perfect working-life-balance:
- In an environment characterized by flat hierarchies and a lot of personal responsibility, we create space for individual development.
- We offer further training and support in line with your individual strengths and goals in order to optimally accompany your career path.
- In intercultural and interdisciplinary teams, communication at eye level is our top priority.
- Flexitime, part-time, home office, mobile working abroad: whenever possible, we give you the flexibility you want for your work.
- For the perfect office days, we provide state-of-the-art equipment at our global locations as well as quiet and communal areas for every situation.
- For a potential move to a location near the office, we will support your relocation organizationally and financially - also internationally.
- Your personal business buddy will be at your side during your induction - so new starters quickly get to know the company, the department and their colleagues.
- If that's not enough for you: by working on green hydrogen technologies, we are ensuring clean energy for the future. Be a part of it: new era is you.
Contact
Thomas Worobjew
People Attraction and Acquisition
nca-de-recruiting@thyssenkrupp-nucera.com
