Master Thesis: »Development of inline measurement system to correlate with electrolyzer performance«

The department "Roll-to-roll Technology" develops solutions for the series production of components for the hydrogen economy. These include proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and electrolysers, the manufacturing costs of which are to be reduced to enable even faster market penetration and the associated widespread use. Currently, there is no system to assess the performance of electrolyser components during production, performance can only be evaluated after assembly and testing in a real-world scenario. It is thereby associated with high cost and risk.

In the master's thesis, a set of new confocal sensors have been purchased as first tests show, that wet and dry layer height might correlate with porosity and performance. A testbench is also provided to evaluate the performance. The aim of the master's thesis is to find a correlation of wet- and dry layer height with porosity or other relevant parameters that influence the performance. The developed system will then be tested in a scaled production machine.

What you will do

• Development and validation of measurement strategies, by changing the target parameter or adapting the machine
• Planning and carrying out tests with the novel test system and sensors
• Testing the correlation of coating and drying with product quality
• Scaling up into a continuous process ready for industrial use
• Optional simulation for target parameter identification

What you bring to the table

• You are studying mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, computer science or a comparable (natural science) subject area
• Interest in new technologies and the reduction of global CO2 emissions
• A high degree of initiative and problem-solving ability as well as a responsible and independent way of working 
• Good language skills in German and/or English

What you can expect

• Scientific processing of a current and practice-relevant topic 
• Professional supervision and specialist support in the preparation of your thesis
• Participation in innovative research and development projects with renowned industry partners
• Flexible working hours and working in a committed team

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. 

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!

For any further information on this position please contact:

Marlin Kersting M. Sc.
Head of "Business Unit Hydrogen Systems"
Phone: +49 241 8904- 259

Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT

Requisition Number: 76012                Application Deadline: