Internship | CFD study for zero emission shipping: Innovative Methanol ICE concept feasibility

Internship Opportunity: CFD Study for Zero Emission Shipping – Innovative Methanol ICE Concept Feasibility

What will be your role?

Methanol has emerged as a cost-effective and scalable alternative fuel for the maritime sector. As internal combustion engines (ICEs) remain the main source of power and propulsion, converting to methanol operation is a logical first-step towards sustainable shipping. At the Powertrains department of TNO on the Automotive Campus in Helmond, development of methanol combustion concepts for application in ICE is ongoing.

The development of the methanol Internal Combustion Engine is greatly supported using in-cylinder combustion models. These models estimate key in-cylinder conditions of pressure, temperature and emission (e.g. NOx) formation that enable engine system concept and optimization studies. CFD simulations of the methanol combustion process are essential for this purpose.

This Master thesis project targets the development and validation of a CFD methanol combustion model. The studied methanol combustion concepts are the conventional dual fuel diesel-methanol compression ignition and the reactivity-controlled compression ignition (RCCI) concepts which have great potential in achieving high efficiency in combination with ultra-low pollutant emissions (NOx, particles). Additional concepts with advanced ignition of methanol are also within the scope. Model development, calibration and validation will be based on TNO measurement data from a single-cylinder research platform.

This graduation project is a cooperation between the TU Delft and TNO and is a part of ongoing research project on methanol for shipping.

For this MSc project the following activities are foreseen:

• Literature study on Methanol combustion
• Create CFD simulation setup of the research engine
• Realize geometry and boundary conditions
• Setup basic combustion model for testing
• Process available measurement data for model calibration and validation
• Validate CFD model based on measurement data
• Study parameter variations on engine performance
• Write master thesis report and present main findings

What we expect from you

• You have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, for example mechanical engineering, maritime engineering, chemical engineering.
• You are coursing a master in a relevant field, for example mechanical engineering, maritime engineering, chemical engineering.
• Experience with and knowledge about Matlab.
• Experience with (commercial) CFD software is a plus.
• You enjoy developing innovative solutions to technically challenging problems and have the right mix of intellectual curiosity and pragmatism.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

More information about this vacancy?

Subhajeet Rath

E-mailadres: subhajeet.rath@tno.nl