RnD Internship - Simulation and Optimization of moving Sorbent Process

WE ARE SKYTREE

Skytree enables a transition to a world with cleaner Air for everyone. We do this by developing and deploying smart technology that captures atmospheric carbon dioxide, enabling its use or storage to combat climate change and aid society and businesses around the world.

Born out of the European Space Agency (ESA), we are a global team of highly talented scientists, engineers and business professionals, supported by an experienced management team. Our working culture is based on a dynamic and smart approach to business with an open and understanding attitude to others and a desire to expand the boundaries of what is possible.

As we enter a new phase of growth, we are looking for a driven Masters student to go on this journey with us.

Take a moment to read more about our values and life at Skytree on our Careers Page.

Ready to make your mark on the world of CO2? Then read on!

THE PROJECT

Skytree builds modular and scalable technology for Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO2 to combat climate change. As part of that technology, we design, develop, and build machinery for CO2 capture using a sorbent material. Depending on the conditions of incoming air, and the conformation of the filter, the DAC performance may vary. To optimize DAC capacity and efficiency regardless of (weather) conditions, it is of utmost importance to design our machinery the best way possible. Our CO2 capture devices are designed in a collaboration between the R&D and engineering departments. This process consists of a joint effort between the two groups in which multiple iteration rounds of design, simulations and testing take place, until a final product is realized.
In this internship, you will be part of the Research & Development team working on improving how CO2-capturing sorbent material moves through our Stratus unit. This apparatus is Skytree’s next generation of air capture machines which are currently in the market. We are constantly working on improved designs for the next generation of stratus machines that will be deployed in the following years. In this project, we are looking for a student to simulate how particles move through the system and optimize this process. The main methodology will be the use of Discrete Element Modeling (DEM) for particle dynamics simulation. The design is aimed at improving several Key Performance Parameters (KPIs) such as: heating profiles, temperature uniformity, residence time and shear stress.

* Internship duration- 3-6 months, full-time, 40 hrs a week.

* Start date- Jan 2025

* This position does not meet the criteria for employer sponsorship, therefore we are unable to support work permit or residency applications.

YOU’LL MAKE AN IMPACT BY

• Designing the next generation of DAC machinery.
• Performing particle dynamics simulations of the DAC process.
• Coming up with new and optimized designs of the DAC Stratus unit. Starting designs will be proposed by Skytree’s R&D and engineering staff.
• Working in the intersection of R&D and Engineering, assisting on the design, interpreting simulations and experimental testing results and reporting.
• Contributing to the development of our DAC testing platform by providing recommendations for improvements based on your experience developing this novel apparatus.
  
  

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You have completed, are in the midst or at the end of a technical degree (mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, process/chemical engineering, computational engineering, etc.).
• Experience with Ansys ROCKY. Experience with similar software (Altair EDEM, STAR-CCM+, Particleworks, etc.) is valued.
• Experience in CAD software such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks or Inventor is valued.
• You enjoy working on simulations, design, and in the intersection of multidisciplinary teams, including testing partners.
• You are not afraid of computational work and thrive in tracing bugs in both software and hardware.
• You enjoy cross-disciplinary challenges which require creative thinking.
• You have an open-mind and enjoy working as part of a diverse, multi-cultural team.
• You are a good communicator and can write clear, concise technical documentation You are proficient in English, both verbally and in written form.
  
  

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

• An opportunity for professional and personal growth in one of the most innovative climate tech start-ups in Amsterdam!
• A diverse and international team.
• Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning to support your growth.
• A cozy office located close to the Science Park train station, also close to the highway.
• Access to the Science Park and Amsterdam University cafeterias (and all the great and healthy meal options).
• A monthly lunch allowance.
• Regular social activities hosted by our very own Champagne Committee.