Research Assistant (EG 13 TV-H) - FG Integrated Energy Systems

Qualification as per § 65 HHG in conjunction with § 2 para. 1 WissZeitVG. The possibility of a doctorate is given.

The energy system becomes a network of information agents

The energy system is undergoing a shift from a centralised topology to an increasingly decentralized topology characterised by large numbers of individually configured and distributed units. These units comprise generators, loads, storages and grid components. In order to preserve system viability in the future, energy economical and technical processes have to evolve from a centralised paradigm towards decentralized market and control mechanisms.

An ICT infrastructure is required that is able to cope with the complexity of the decentralized future energy system. In particular, the automation of decentralized processes will become increasingly important. We believe that the architecture of such an ICT layer will take the form of an agent-based system that mirrors the complexity of the techno-economical system it has to manage.

In the research group Integrated Energy Systems at the University Kassel we have set out to create a platform where the complex interplay of economic and technical processes of generation and transmission of electrical energy will be studied in a close-to-reality simulation.

The platform provides servers representing the energy markets, the electrical grid and the physical environment as well as prosumer gateways that interact with these servers. On this platform new components, algorithms and trading strategies can be developed and tested. Furthermore, research questions concerning market stability, electrical stability and many other topics can be investigated. Typical research questions comprise: How much distributed self-organization is possible? How is stability monitored and ensured by control interventions? Which approaches are technically and economically feasible? Which trade-off between investments in smart-grid ICT and investments in additional installation of grid infrastructure is economically optimal?

Your Tasks:

• Working on research projects in terms of conception, modeling and implementation of complex structures in the area of dynamic energy systems.
• Development of demonstration networks with representations of energy generators, consumers, storage facilities, and the implementation of market and grid operation mechanisms.
• Main tasks related to teaching are self dependent preparation and execution of tutorials as well as the co-supervision of students (bachelor and master theses).

Your Profile:

We expect a completed university degree in computer science, mathematics, physics, or engineering science as well as good knowledge of the (German) energy sector and the analysis of complex, adaptive systems. Furthermore, you are competent in software engineering, handling of data bases as well as object-oriented programming, preferably in Java and Python.

Ideally, you have prior experience in one of the following fields of research:

• Modeling and simulation

We are going to develop the components of a standardized simulation and evaluation testbed for smart grid & market ICT solutions. These components are to be combined to a holistic, cyber-physical-economic and distributed simulation environment comprising simulated energy markets, registries, simulated weather conditions and forecasts, grid simulations, laboratory experiments, and field tests. The goal is to enable comprehensive evaluations of ICT prototypes by simulation of a range of future scenarios.

• Decentralized intelligence

In order to predict prices, consumption and generation, communication between components of the energy system and adaptive processing of information shall be explored. Main areas of interest are the combined application of central and distributed control mechanisms, knowledge representation, machine learning, and testing of distributed software systems.

• Communication protocols

While existing "smart" control approaches often lack interoperability due to heterogeneous and proprietary information models we aim to complement common standards and protocols to ensure reliable and secure communication among agents and central servers

Interests in applied science, good organizational skills, enthusiasm to work in a team, as well as very good knowledge of English and/or German (both orally and written) are further prerequisites. Experience in the acquisition of research funds (e.g. BMBF, ERC, private foundations) and experience with the supervision of students and teaching are beneficial.

You may expect a diversified, creative work environment in an engaged, harmonic team in a personal, solution-oriented atmosphere. You will cooperate closely with the Kassel Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology.

Perspectives:

Together with the team you will develop new approaches for the planning and operation of automated future energy systems and assess these in simulation, laboratory, and the field. Furthermore, we offer:

• Freedom in research and personal development by further education courses
• Conception and acquisition of new research projects
• Work-Life-Balance through flexible office hours and support in combining work and family life
• Opportunities to teach
• Opportunity to do a PhD or State doctorate at the University of Kassel

For questions about this position please contact Prof. Dr. Hoffmann, Tel.: 0049 561-804-6182 E-Mail: clemens.hoffmann[at]uni-kassel[dot]de or Dr. Friedrich Krebs, Tel.: 0049 561-804-6141, E-Mail: fkrebs[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

We gladly accept applications in English or German.

The University of Kassel is an equal opportunity employer and aims at increasing the proportion of women in research and teaching. Qualified women are therefore expressly invited to apply. In case of equal qualification, physically challenged persons will be given preferential consideration. Applications shall indicate the position number and title and shall contain a letter of interest, a CV, copies of all university degrees and contact details of two referees (full address including email). Hard copies should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, Mönchebergstr. 19, 34109 Kassel, Germany. Digital applications (acceptable only as single pdf file!) should be sent to bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel[dot]de.