Internship | Flexibility Analysis of Chemical Plants

Industrial chemical production is shifting from plants designed for constant power and feedstock inputs toward flexible systems that can operate under uncertain intermittent renewable power supply (e.g. solar and wind energy) and fluctuating feedstock availability. This new paradigm raises several questions: Can chemical processes operate within their physical and operational constraints under the range of uncertain inputs? How much uncertainty can be accommodated by a given process design? And how can designs be evaluated, or re-designed, to ensure they can handle a specified range of input variability? The area of flexibility analysis addresses these questions.

There are two options for this internship:

A relatively short internship (at least 3 months) focusing on a use case. As an intern, you will work out and analyze chemical production process and apply the prototype tool under development at TNO for flexibility analysis.

A MSc thesis internship (at least 6 months) focusing on improving performance of the prototype tool. Uncertainty space is high dimensional which makes the flexibility analysis CPU demanding. You will research the following items that may improve performance

1. Efficient sampling. Investigate efficient sampling techniques to explore the uncertainty range that can be accommodated by the chemical process.
2. Surrogate modelling. Investigate best approaches for surrogate modelling of the chemical process to improve performance.

For the MSc thesis on improving performance of the tool a strong mathematical background and solid Python skills to contribute to the development of a prototype tool are required.

For the shorter duration internship a (Chemical) engineering background with mathematical interests and python skills would also be a good fit.

Good communication skills (in English) and the right mix of curiosity-driven motivation and result-oriented mentality are required.

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:
  • You are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 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.