Master thesis proposal - Dynamic simulation of production of methanol powered by electricity from offshore wind power

Do you want to be part of leading the transition towards a sustainable society and work at Sweden's leading fuel company? We are now looking for engaged students who want to conduct a master’s thesis in Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Technical Physics, Industrial Energy Systems, Environmental Engineering, Applied and Computational Mathematics or equivalent. Together, we are working for the future, starting today.

Field of study

Preem currently produces biofuels from fats, oils, and wood pyrolysis oil in existing process plants at the refineries in Gothenburg and Lysekil. In the future, additional raw materials will be needed, particularly woody biomass from residue streams in various forms, known as lignocellulose, but also electro fuels. Electro fuels are produced from renewable hydrogen and captured CO₂.

The system that is to be studied consists of a large electrolyzer for hydrogen production that is powered by electricity from offshore wind, hydrogen storage and battery storage for handling the intermittency of electricity from offshore wind power, a methanol synthesis plant fed with captured CO₂ and hydrogen (from Preem’s SMR unit) and a Methanol to Jet unit, fed with methanol and hydrogen, for producing jet fuel (also called e-SAF).

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the technical and economic viability of integrating offshore wind-powered hydrogen production with energy storage solutions and methanol synthesis, to contribute to the development of sustainable aviation fuel (e-SAF) and the decarbonization of the aviation sector. The study will be based on information provided by Preem and from literature. Help with modelling and simulation should primarily be received from your institution.

The aim of this study is to model and optimize a value chain integrating offshore wind-powered hydrogen production with methanol synthesis and e-SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) production. The optimization will focus on the capacity of the methanol synthesis unit, methanol-to-jet (MTJ) unit, electrolyzer size, battery storage, and hydrogen and CO₂ storage. The dimensions and operation of each component in the system will be optimized simultaneously.

Modeling could be done using Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, or equivalent tools. Inputs for the optimization will include OPEX, CAPEX, efficiency, feedstock costs, product prices, electricity costs, wind power availability, and other system constraints. Dynamics such as turndown, ramp-up and ramp-down times will also need to be considered. The goal is to determine the most cost-effective way to produce methanol or e-SAF with offshore wind power over the system's lifetime.

Dynamics such as turndown, ramp-up and ramp-down times will also need to be considered. The goal is to determine the most cost-effective way to produce methanol or e-SAF with offshore wind power over the system's lifetime.

The output will be an optimized system design that minimizes total costs while maximizing efficiency in producing sustainable fuels.

Scope

30 credits (hp)

Location 

You will primarily conduct your thesis work at your university in collaboration with supervisors at Preemraff Gothenburg. Partners of Preem may also be involved in the supervision.

Project start

To be agreed upon

We offer

You will be an important part of Preem - a workplace characterized by a welcoming atmosphere, trust in the employees and the ambition to be the best in the industry when it comes to sustainability. Here, you get freedom with responsibility and often the chance to be involved in entire processes - from start to finish. The fact that our refineries are among the most efficient in Europe doesn't stop us: we want to keep improving. Thanks to our size and our complex products, there is always something new to learn in an exciting business characterized by rapid change, clear rules and high safety standards.

Do you have this background?

Master students within Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Technical Physics, Industrial Energy Systems, Environmental Engineering, Applied and Computational Mathematics or equivalent.

Is this you?

We are looking for candidates who are responsible, innovative, and inclusive, and who show potential for self-leadership. We will place great emphasis on personal qualities and interest in Preem's business. We encourage two applicants for this project.

Next step

If you have questions about the thesis, you are welcome to contact Kassam Abdel Mallak, kassam.abdel.mallak@preem.se. 

If you are two applicants who want to complete the degree project together, we ask that one of you apply but that you each attach your CV in the application. One CV is added as usual and the other CV you upload under "Additional files” (“Övriga document”).

Selection will be continuous during the advertisement period, and the thesis project may be filled before the application deadline. 

Please submit your application as soon as possible, but no later than October 25th. Due to GDPR we only accept applications submitted through the recruitment system.

We look forward to receiving your application!