Master Thesis “Digital Twin for Production of an Industrial Paper Impregnation Process”

We are Austria’s largest research and technology organisation and an international player in applied research for innovative infrastructure solutions. This makes us a powerful development partner for industry and a top employer in the scientific community. Our Center for Energy in Vienna invites applications for a:

Master Thesis “Digital Twin for Production of an Industrial Paper Impregnation Process”

- Center for Energy -

IMAGINE

• A significant part of the total industrial energy demand is attributable to drying processes, which in Austria are particularly represented by ceramics, wood, paper, and food Industries.
• Our team develops strategies for the optimal and energy efficient operation of a paper processing plant for the production of high-quality laminated panels, which are mainly used as facade elements, furniture surfaces, flooring and worktops.
• As part of this master thesis, you will deal intensively with the process for resin impregnation of paper which is performed in continuously operated industrial dryers.

ENGAGE

• Throughout your master’s thesis project, and under the guidance of our team, you will develop methods and tools for the implementation of a digital twin for the production process.
• Based on literature data, plant datasheets and operating manuals (in German) you will write computer code and implement engineering equations, heat and mass transfer correlations and thermodynamic models.
• You will learn to validate results from numerical simulations with plant data and you will use simulation models to predict the impact of changes in operational variables on energy consumption and product related properties.
• Software solutions and numerical solvers available in MATLAB and Python will help you to set up complex models of the manufacturing process.

ACHIEVE

• Your work and provided results are expected to be an input to the development of a Digital Twin of the paper impregnation plant operated by our industrial partner.
• Your results will give insights about critical operation parameters and their effects and relations on energy efficiency.
• You gain experience in the area of paper processing at industrial scale, and the application of engineering models to real processes.
• You train scientific working and have the opportunity to discuss experiences with scientific experts.

Your qualifications as an Ingenious Partner:

• Master studies in the field of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Applied Physics or equivalent.
• Good knowledge in thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer and numerical modeling.
• Enjoyment of application-oriented questions of industry (primarily energy industry).
• High level of commitment and team spirit.
• Good knowledge of German (most plant datasheets and operating manuals are in German)

What to expect:
EUR 890,-- gross per month for 20 hours/week based on the collective agreement. There will be additional company benefits. You will be part of our international Young AIT network. As a research institution, we are familiar with the supervision and execution of master theses and we are looking forward to supporting you accordingly
 
At AIT, the promotion of diversity is important to us - that's why we are especially looking forward to applications from female students!

Please submit your application documents including CV, cover letter and certificates online.

TOMORROW TODAY - WITH YOU?