Master Student Engineer, Physics, Computer Science or similar (f/m/x)

Would you like to develop the predictive maintenance methods for the critical components of parabolic trough collectors (PTCs)? The flexible pipe connectors called Rotation and Expansion Performing Assemblies (REPAs) are under high stress while compensating tracking and heat expansion movements of the PTCs. The unexpected damages of the REPAs lead to leakage of hot heat transfer fluid, fire accidents and breakdowns of the whole solar power plant. Due to this, the continues condition monitoring of the REPAs is necessary. In our team, we develop the REPAs and their predictive maintenance methods by performing accelerated lifetime tests in our inhouse-developed test bench.

You will join our team at the REPA test bench which is installed at the international test center Plataforma Solar de Almería (CIEMAT’s PSA) in Spain. Tests of the REPAs are performed at nominal operating conditions, i.e. pressure up to 35 bar and temperature up to 400°C, with accelerated motion pattern representing the real loads throughout the connectors’ lifetime (>10’000 cycles) in a short period of time. Different measurement systems have been integrated and validated at the REPA test bench to monitor flexible pipe connectors.

Your responsibility during the next test campaign(s) in 2024 is to measure mechanical loads on the REPAs under test, for condition monitoring, by data acquisition with the integrated load cells and scientific data analysis. Your task is to prepare test procedures and to analyze the impact of operating parameters, ageing and maintenance on the forces on the swivel joint of the tested flexible pipe connectors.

Preferably the objective of your stay with us will be your Master thesis.