Modeling the (a)diabetic rectification of hydrocarbons in novel structures using MATLAB © or ASPEN ©

  • chair:
  • place:

    Bachelor's / Master's Thesis
  • institute:

    IMVT
  • starting date:

    Immediately
  • Kontaktperson:

    Grinschek, Fabian

  • Background and motivation

    The dramatic effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent. In order to limit the consequences, anthropogenic CO2 emissions must be dramatically reduced. One major source is the transport sector, which currently consumes half of the world's oil production. Liquid fuels with their high energy density will continue to be very difficult to replace by e-mobility or hydrogen in certain sectors (e.g. heavy goods vehicles and air traffic) in the future. The so-called power-to-fuel processes are one way of making these sectors CO2-neutral. One promising process is the conversion of hydrogen and carbon monoxide from renewable sources into long-chain hydrocarbons using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. However, the raw product obtained must still be processed into suitable cuts (petrol, diesel, kerosene, etc.). The rectification of the raw product is a decisive step in this process. For this process step we want to design an efficient apparatus for small, decentralised plants at renewable energy sites.

    In recent years, additive manufacturing has greatly expanded the possibilities of manufacturing. In process engineering in particular, new equipment that is optimally adapted to the desired function is thus possible. The flow control elements developed at the IMVT (https://www.imvt.kit.edu/1649.php) are an example of this. These possibilities are now to be used to develop a new compact, energy-efficient rectification apparatus.

     

    Research topics and tasks of the work:

    Within the scope of the work, a theoretical model for rectification in novel structures is to be developed.

     

    Tasks of the work are:

    • Literature research on already existing models;
    • Development of a suitable model;
    • Implementation of the model in MATLAB © or ASPEN ©;
    • Energetic consideration and evaluation of different process configurations.

     

    The scope (Bachelor's or Master's thesis) as well as the focus of the thesis can be agreed upon. Basic knowledge of chemistry/chemical engineering is required.

    Start of work: immediately

    Examiner: Prof. Dr.-Ing. R. Dittmeyer

    Supervisor: M. Sc. F. Grinschek