Master/Bachelor thesis (f/m/d): Design and building of a solar rotary kiln for pyrolysis reaction Job Details

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Master/Bachelor thesis (f/m/d): Design and building of a solar rotary kiln for pyrolysis reaction

Job Description

Req ID: 1623

Place of work: Köln

Starting date: 01.08.2025

Career level: Student research project and final thesis

Type of employment: Part time, Full-time

Duration of contract: 6-9 Monate

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

The Institute of Future Fuels (FF), founded in 2020, contributes to making renewable resources available to replace fossil resources. One of the institute's research focuses is on solar thermochemical processes that utilise high temperatures from concentrated sunlight to drive chemical processes.

What to expect:
The focus of your bachelor/master thesis will be the design and commissioning of a rotary kiln solar reactor for the pyrolysis of biomass. You will need to consider the constraints imposed for this design, such as the application of a rotary kiln pyrolyzer, the testing environment of a solar simulator, the desired temperatures for the pyrolysis reaction, and the type of biomass. The design tasks are supported by thermal and mechanical analysis of the critical components, which are carried out using FEM software.

Your tasks:
- Overview of our previous designs for solar rotary kilns
- Literature review about rotary kilns for pyrolysis based on an existing pre-study
- Compilation of the design requirements for the solar reactor, considering the project objectives
and constraints, along with all required components
- CAD detail design of the solar reactor with the corresponding technical drawings for its construction
- Thermal and mechanical analysis with FEM software where necessary

Your profile:
- Master or bachelor's studies in mechanical engineering, environmental engineering,
process engineering, or similar
- Good knowledge of the design of mechanical components and material selection:
e.g. rotating parts, structures, systems including thermal insulation components
- Experience with rotary kilns
- Knowledge and interest in biomass conversion
- Understanding of high temperature reactions and heat transfer
- Good knowledge of CAD software, experience with Autodesk Inventor and experience with technical drawings
- Fluent English language skills
- Independent, thorough and structured way of working

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD EG 5 depending on qualifications and assigned Tasks.

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.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 1623) please contact:

Martin Roeb
Tel.: +49 2203 601 2673