Karlsruhe: Mandatory Internship - Modeling Shunt Currents in Flow

In glow batteries, multiple cells are connected in stacks. However, unwanted shunt currents (parasitic leakage currents) can occur, which reduce system efficiency and influence stack design. Literature describes mathematical models to predict these currents based on network theory and difference equations.
The goal of this internship is to implement such a model in Python, validate it against reference data, and explore how different stack and channel designs affect shunt current distribution. Ultimately, the results should contribute to optimizing cell and stack configurations for minimal energy losses.

What you will do

•    Literature review and familiarization with mathematical modeling of flow battery stacks and shunt currents (resistor networks, difference equations)
•    Implementation of the model in Python
•    Parameterization based on real cell geometries and material properties
•    Numerical simulations of current and potential distribution for different stack designs
•    Comparative analysis of cell configurations (e.g., manifold design, number of cells, membrane resistances)
•    Sensitivity analysis and optimization to minimize shunt current losses
•    Documentation of methodology and results, final presentation to the team

What you bring to the table

•    Studium im Bereich Angewandte Mathematik, Technomathematik, Computational Science, Physik oder Vergleichbares
•    Grundkenntnisse in numerischer Mathematik, Differential-/Differenzengleichungen und linearer Algebra
•    Programmierkenntnisse in Python (z. B. NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib) von Vorteil 
•    Interesse an interdisziplinären Fragestellungen (Mathematik Elektrochemie)
•    Selbstständige und strukturierte Arbeitsweise

What you can expect

• A challenging, attractive, interdisciplinary and international working environment
• The opportunity to implement a mathematical model from theory to practical application
• Support from experienced scientists
• Insights into current research on battery storage and hydrogen technologies
• An appreciative and supportive working atmosphere
• Opportunities for individual development
• Flexible working hours thanks to flexitime arrangements
• Parking spaces, canteen and library on campus
• ... and much more!

Remuneration is based on federal guidelines for the employment of interns. The position is based on the duration specified in the study regulations. The weekly working time is 39 hours per week. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Amadeus Wolf
amadeus.wolf@ict.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology ICT

Requisition Number: 81537                Application Deadline: