Institute for Process Engineering

Chair of thermal process engineering

Motivated by research topics emerging from applications in process and product engineering to energy conversion, our focus is on describing, understanding, and modeling of kinetically-controlled processes such as drying, wetting, and thermochemical conversion. Our approach to studying these processes involves developing novel mathematical models (whether they are discrete or continuum, based on physics or data) and using modern experimental methods (such as X-ray tomography and magnetic suspension balance). Through these efforts, we aim to provide new insights into how microscale physics influences macroscopic observations, allowing us to develop predictive tools for efficient processing that are tailored to product features and quality.

Ongoing research topics

• Modeling of thermochemical conversions in porous particles
• Development of CFD frameworks for spray drying with fine particle recirculation  
• Modeling of porosity development in slurries
• Modeling of liquid droplet drying in the presence of gas mixtures  
• Characterization of inner morphology of high aspect-ratio porous media
• Modeling of transport phenomena in porous media containing particle suspensions
• Development of data-driven control strategies for fluidized bed biomass gasification

A list of past and ongoing research projects can be found here

Teaching Activities

Transport Phenomena in Porous Systems (grad, lecture, enroll. 25, summer 2019)

Transport Phenomena in Porous Systems (grad, tutorial, enroll. 30, summer 2018)

Umwelttechnik und Luftreinhaltung (undergrad, lecture, enroll. 5-10, since 2014, yearly)

Abwasserreinigung Abfallbehandlung (undergrad, lecture, enroll. 5-10, since 2014, yearly)

Bioseparation (undergrad, lecture & tutorial, enroll. 10-15, since 2013, yearly)

Drying Technology (grad, lecture & tutorial, enroll. 30-50, since 2012, yearly)

Verweilzeitmodellierung (grad, lab work, enroll. 50-80, since 2012, yearly)

Gefriertrocknung von Obst (undergrad, lab work, enroll. 5-10, since 2012, yearly)

Supervision