Internship | Applying Knowledge Guided Machine learning Modeling Approaches for PEM Water Electrolysis

Green hydrogen is crucial for the energy transition, providing a sustainable alternative for sectors such as steel, chemicals, and heavy industry. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis is a leading technology thanks to its high efficiency and ability to operate flexibly with renewable energy sources. As deployment accelerates, improving PEM performance and lifetime becomes increasingly important. In PEM research, experimental datasets are often limited, and electrochemical behavior is complex. To support system optimization and experimental planning, TNO develops knowledge guided modeling approaches, combining available data with established electrochemical understanding. Rather than discovering degradation mechanisms yourself, you will apply already identified mechanisms and physical insights to evaluate and develop suitable modeling approaches, which include selected ML methods that can (or cannot) incorporate domain knowledge.

You will join the PEM research team at the TNO Faraday Lab in Petten, working with electrochemists, materials specialists, data scientists, AI experts and modelers.

Your tasks include:

• Data understanding and preprocessing.
• Applying known degradation insights in suitable (AI) models.
• Evaluating different modeling strategies.
• Visualizing trends and model outputs clearly.
• Explaining model behaviour in relation to known PEM mechanisms.
• Presenting intermediate and final results during team meetings.

The methodology used in this internship will be based on the following article: Chen, X., Rex, A., Woelke, J., Eckert, C., Bensmann, B., Hanke‑Rauschenbach, R., & Geyer, P. (2024). Machine learning in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis – Part I: A knowledge‑integrated framework. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.03660

• You are a master student (registered at a Dutch (technical) university and living in the Netherlands) in:
  • Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical/Energy Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience with data analysis and numerical modeling (e.g., Python).
• Interest in combining physical knowledge with data driven methods.
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Good communication skills in English.

Bonus (not required):

• Basic knowledge of electrochemistry or PEM technology.
• Experience with regression modeling or simple ML methods.
• Familiarity with uncertainty or validation concepts.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• 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.

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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.

• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.