Single and Multi-Objective Optimization of Hybrid Concentrated Solar Power Plants

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1,400 employees work towards a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research focuses on energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy usage. Through outstanding research results, successful industry projects, company spin-offs, and global cooperations, we shape the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

For our group "Concentrating Systems and Technologies", we are seeking a student assistant to start as soon as possible.

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) is an important technology option in regions of the world with a strong direct solar radiation for environmentally and climate-friendly power generation at day and night. One key strategy for enhancing the efficiency and reliability of CSP power plants is through hybridization, a process that integrates complementary renewable energy sources or storage technologies with traditional concentrating solar technology. By combining CSP power plants with other renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics (PV), wind, or batteries, hybrid systems offer numerous advantages, including increased overall efficiency, reduce the overall cost of electricity, and improved flexibility in energy generation.

In our group Concentrating Systems and Technologies, we are investigating the next generation of CSP hybridization. Through single and multi-objective optimization methods, we can enhance simulation performance, discover new configurations, and achieve greater computational efficiency. Optimization plays a crucial role in various areas, including component selection, location analysis, renewable technology integration, and techno-economic optimization. Your role supports our efforts as we identify solutions that CSP hybridization offers.

What you will do

• You will collaborate with our team of scientists to further develop, test and create new optimization models integrated in our in-house software tool, ColSim, specialized in the design and simulation of hybrid concentrating solar systems. This means you will:
  • Expand and build-upon various optimization methods (genetic algorithms, neural networks, etc.)
  • Evaluate optimization results and validate your implementations.
  • Perform optimization studies for future publications.
  • Utilize modular programming (Python) and relevant libraries (Scikit-learn, PyTorch, Keras, etc.) while also clearly documenting your code so that your colleagues can utilize and build upon your work.
  • Work in an international team environment and use appropriate tools for collaboration (git, Redmine).

What you bring to the table

• You study computer science, physics, engineering or a comparable field.
• You have programming experience (Python) and have already worked on multi-objective optimization projects.
• You are interested in the overlapping research of machine learning, neural networks and renewable energy technologies.
• You have a very strong command of English.
• You are looking for a field of work as a student assistant in which you can creatively apply and expand the knowledge you gained during your studies.
• You are potentially interested in a follow-up bachelor or master thesis.
• You are comfortable working in a dynamic environment and enjoy taking on new challenges.
• You can work in a team as well as independently on given tasks.
• You like to work creatively and bring your own ideas and suggestions for improvement into the team and into the project.
• We are looking forward to your meaningful application including CV, transcript of records from university and earlier references

What you can expect

• You work at one of the most popular employers on an equal footing with the best.
• Open-minded colleagues look forward to welcoming new talents into their ranks.
• We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work from home part-time.
• In addition, we maintain a cooperative working atmosphere and open communication.
• We value equal opportunities and provide space for diversity.
• You can participate in attractive sports and health programs and after-work activities.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Fragen zu dieser Position beantwortet Dir gerne:
Nicholas Chandler
Tel.: +49 761 4588 5969

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE 

www.ise.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 79366                Application Deadline: