Master thesis (f/m/x) - Prospective LCA of fuel cell system designs - IT, Forschung

The Institute of Technical Thermodynamics at DLR has more than 200 employees conducting research in the field of efficient and resource-saving energy storage and energy converters

What to expect

Aviation is a highly energy-intensive sector, accounting for 2-2.5% of total energy-related CO2 emissions in recent years. The rebound in international travel demand following the pandemic has led to a rise in aviation emissions, bringing them close to 90% of pre-pandemic levels. Experts predict they could triple by 2050 compared to 2015 levels if no action is taken. As the aviation industry works towards reducing its carbon footprint, fuel cell technology is emerging as a promising solution.

Your tasks

• As a Master's student in our team, your work will focus on prospective life cycle assessment (LCA) of this innovative technology exploring the potential environmental impacts during its developmental stage.
• You will analyze various future scenarios to predict how these fuel cell systems could perform environmentally during its manufacturing and operational phase ‒considering not only their environmental footprint, but also how these impacts could evolve as the technology matures and scales up.
• By evaluating the long-term sustainability and scalability of fuel cell technologies, you will provide critical insights that will help shape the future of aviation and guide decisions on which designs and strategies could maximize environmental benefits.

Your profile

• student in process engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field
• excellent analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• good communication and presentation skills
• very good knowledge of German and English (written and spoken)

We look forward to getting to know you!

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 1432) please contact:

Ralph-Uwe Dietrich

Tel.: +49 711 6862 8251