Master thesis: Data trust models in the hydrogen economy

The Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel conducts research in the fields of energy economics and energy systems technology with a focus on: Energy informatics, energy meteorology and geo-information systems, energy economics and system design, energy process engineering and storage, grid planning and operation, grid stability and power converter technology, thermal energy technology. Around 400 scientists, employees and students develop solutions for the energy transition and generate around 24 million euros in revenue per year.

In various research projects, the Energy Process Engineering department at Fraunhofer IEE is investigating which technologies can be used to efficiently and economically solve the sector coupling of thermal, electrochemical and biochemical conversion steps and storage. Our scope ranges from development paths, concepts, modeling and simulation to demonstration plants. 

For several years, our work has focused on international projects aimed at supporting the market ramp-up of green hydrogen and its derivatives. To this end, we develop techno-economic analyses for potential production plants, evaluate transportation options and investigate the sustainability of the future hydrogen economy and relevant applications for PtX products. In the context of the hydrogen economy, research into data escrow models is also one of our tasks. Green hydrogen is a key technology for achieving global climate targets. However, the development of a hydrogen economy requires not only innovative technologies for the production, transportation and use of hydrogen, but also digital solutions that enable greater efficiency, predict the market development of supply and demand and monitor the transportation, storage and safe use of hydrogen in various application areas. Data therefore acts as a driver for the establishment of an efficient hydrogen economy.

What you will do

Data trust models (DTM) are a promising approach to promote the exchange of data between different organizations and to optimize the economic use of data. However, the implementation of data trust models raises numerous questions in various subject areas, which are to be investigated in the context of the hydrogen economy as part of a master's thesis. We are looking for students with knowledge of green hydrogen, the value chain of the hydrogen economy and the application of digital solutions to write the master's thesis. The focus of the master's thesis is on the conceptual development of the data trust concept and the description of specific use cases (e.g. certification, H2 industrial park, H2 market) for an efficient hydrogen economy as well as the analysis of suitable options for technical implementation. 

Contents of the work: 

• Literature analysis of existing data trust models and best practices
• Conducting interviews with relevant stakeholders of the hydrogen economy
• Analysis of data flows and requirements in the hydrogen economy
• Description of specific use cases of data trust models in the hydrogen economy
• Conception of technical implementation options for the identified use cases

What you bring to the table

• You are enrolled in one of the following Master's degree programs: Renewable Energies, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Process Engineering, or similar degree programs
• Interest in hydrogen technologies and economics
• Knowledge of data management (acquisition, processing and analysis of data) desirable
• Knowledge of economics with a focus on energy management desirable
• Very good written and spoken German and English skills

What you can expect

• Supportive, creative and solution-oriented working environment
• Personal working atmosphere in a committed team
• Intensive supervision and involvement in the work of the research group
• Embedding your work in current international research projects 
• Flexible working hours and the option to work partially remotely

The monthly working time is 40 hours.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Fragen zu dieser Stelle beantwortet dir gerne:

Dayana Granford Ruiz
+49 (0) 561 7294-1596

Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE

Requisition Number: 75845                Application Deadline: 10/31/2024