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

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

• 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.

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.