Internship | Market study for cl-HPAD applications

Despite the many well-known benefits of distillation and its widespread use, one major drawback is its high energy consumption, which can account for more than 50% of a plant’s operating cost. This is due to the low thermodynamic efficiency of conventional distillation: high-quality heat is required in the reboiler, while a nearly equal amount of low-quality heat is wasted at the condenser. To address this inefficiency, several heat pump-assisted distillation technologies have been developed, offering potential energy savings of 20–50%. These systems aim to recover and reuse the condenser heat to drive the reboiler, significantly reducing utility demands. Among these, the Closed Loop Heat Pump Assisted Distillation (cl-HPAD) has gained attention for its ability to enhance both heat and mass transfer. Cl-HPAD differs from other heat pump options (such as MVR, TVR, AHP) by integrating heat exchange directly within the column. This can result in superior performance for applications requiring moderate to high temperature lifts, making it a promising option for energy-intensive separations in the chemical and fuel industries.

Your assignment will focus on selecting 2–3 applications from the list provided, based on relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as:

• Market size and demand.
• Product value and industrial relevance.
• Energy intensity of the separation (boiling point differences, etc.).

For each selected application, you will:

• Conduct a brief market analysis to justify its selection.
• Model the base case (conventional distillation) using Aspen Plus, develop a cl-HPAD simulation model in Aspen Plus for the same separation process.
• Compare cl-HPAD performance to the base case, focusing on:
  • Energy savings.
  • Potential cost reduction.
  • Feasibility and implementation considerations.

Based on the analysis, recommendations will be made regarding the suitability of cl-HPAD technology for the selected applications, considering both performance gains and economic viability.

We are looking for VWO students from chemical or mechanical engineering background with the following characteristics:

• Enthusiasm about research and technology development.
• Participate in project meetings, provide feed-back, discuss results, and propose solutions.
• Good command of the English language.
• Availability to work full-time (40 hrs a week) from 3 to 6 months.
• For 6 month assignment knowledge to program in Aspen Plus

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.