Master Thesis "Design of the technical unit for an innovative pumped hydro energy storage system"

The Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel conducts research in the fields of energy economics and energy systems technology with a focus on : Energy informatics, energy meteorology and geo-information systems, energy economics and system design, energy process engineering and storage, grid planning and operation, grid stability and power converter technology as well as thermal energy technology.

Around 450 scientists, employees and students develop solutions for the energy transition and generate around 38 million euros in revenue per year.

What you will do

The Fraunhofer IEE developed and tested an innovative pumped hydro storage concept called StEnSea (Stored Energy in the Sea).

In contrast to well-known conventional pumped-hydro power plants, which use two separated water reservoirs of different heights, the StEnSea concept uses the static pressure of the water column in deep waters.

Therefore, a hollow concrete sphere is placed on the sea bead that acts as the lower reservoir. In 2016, the StEnSea concept was successfully tested with a 1 : 10 scaled prototype in Lake Constance nearby the German town Ueberlingen in a water depth of 100 m.

Currently, a 1 : 3 scaled prototype is under development. While the concrete sphere is developed and built by external project partners, Fraunhofer IEE is responsible for developing the technical unit (TU) inside the sphere.

The TU holds the pump, valves, pipes, sensors, and measurement & control equipment.

Briefly, the main objectives of the master thesis include :

• Designing the case of the TU
• Placing of all components, wires, and pipes inside the TU
• Designing the flange to connect the concrete sphere with the TU
• Drawing detailed 2D / 3D plans of the TU
• Designing detailed construction directions to assemble the TU with all components

What you bring to the table

• Background in mechanical engineering, physics or similar areas
• Very good oral and written English communicating skills
• Fair knowledge and the interest to gain more about pumped hydro storage
• Fair knowledge and the interest to gain more about Computer Aided Design
• Self-motivated, independent, and team working skills

What you can expect

• Close cooperation with our colleagues in research and administration
• Flexible and individual adaptation of working hours to lecture and exam times
• The opportunity to work both at the modern IEE campus and remotely
• An open and helpful working atmosphere
• Exciting discussions about current research topics
• Openness to your ideas
• A familiar environment with opportunities for further development even as a research assistant

The monthly working time is between 40 and 80 hours.

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. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

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!

If you have any questions about this position, please contact :

Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Ernst

Tel. : +49 (0)561 7294 284

Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE

Requisition Number : 75542 Application Deadline : 11 / 25 / 2024