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Background

As part of the "smartTESS - Intelligent control for industrial energy supply systems with thermal storage" project, weather forecast data is used for electricity price forecasting and operational planning. Uncertainties in the input data can be quantified through a systematic assessment of the forecast quality. Based on this, it will be examined whether an analogue ensemble approach is suitable for identifying similar historical forecast situations and deriving reliable uncertainty information from them.

Task

• Research into the basics of weather forecasts, forecast uncertainties and analogue ensemble methods
• Preparation of open meteorological forecasts and historical open meteorological data for selected locations, time periods and relevant weather parameters
• Systematic assessment of forecast quality by comparing forecast and historical weather data
• Derivation and exemplary implementation of an analogue ensemble approach
• Analysis, plausibility check and assessment of the results

Requirements

We expect independent, goal-orientated and structured work:

• Good knowledge of data processing (preferably Python) and statistics
• Very good analytical skills, creativity
• Degree in energy technology, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics or similar
• Professional handling of MS Office applications etc.

The final thesis is advertised in the same way as a thesis advertised in the private sector. The first supervision is organised independently by the students. The Institute will organise the second supervision as well as the technical supervision.

Support/supervision

The diverse range of tasks is supported internally by a friendly and dynamic team of specialist staff at the Solar Institute Jülich. In addition to flexible and independent working hours, we offer the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to current research and development.

Application

Please combine your application documents into a single PDF document.

Supervision / Contact

Nico Oellers, M. Sc. | T +49.241.6009 53565 | oellerssij.fh-aachen.de

Background

As part of the "smartTESS - Intelligent control for industrial energy supply systems with thermal storage" project, multi-day electricity price forecasts are required in order to align operational planning with economically favourable time windows.
As electricity prices are significantly influenced by the feed-in of renewable energies, the most accurate possible forecast of the corresponding generation is a key prerequisite for a reliable price forecast. In particular, the fluctuating feed-in from photovoltaic and wind energy plants poses a significant challenge in this regard.

Task

• Research into the fundamentals and the state of the art
• Development of a mathematically modelled description of electricity generation from renewable energies
• Integration of weather forecast data into the modelling
• Development of an overall model to estimate Germany-wide electricity generation from renewable energies, taking into account spatially resolved generation and weather data
• Analysis, plausibility check and validation of the model

Requirements

We expect independent, goal-orientated and structured work:

• Good knowledge of energy technology systems
• Very good analytical skills, creativity
• Degree in energy technology, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics or similar
• Experience in simulation, modelling and data processing (preferably with Python) advantageous

Support/supervision

The diverse range of tasks will be supported internally by a friendly and dynamic team of specialist staff at the Solar Institute Jülich. In addition to flexible and independent working hours, we offer the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to current research and development.

Application

Please combine your application documents into a single PDF document.

Supervision / Contact

Nico Oellers, M. Sc. | T +49. 241. 6009 53565 | oellerssij.fh-aachen.de

Background

On 20 June 2024, the world's first industrial-scale enclosure for the production of synthetic fuels using solar heat, developed by Synhelion AG, was inaugurated in Jülich. In order to operate the enclosure efficiently and safely, several operators must monitor the system status and change/adjust control parameters if necessary. This task involves the continuous monitoring of hundreds of constantly changing sensor data. The data collected must be assessed by the operators and interpreted depending on the current operating point before an informed decision can be made.

Component visualisation is particularly significant in this context. If a lot of data is projected in a way that is easy to understand, states can be recognised more easily, which simplifies operator operation.

Task

The aim of this final thesis is to develop 3D models of the thermal energy storage (TES) and the reforming reactor of a solar fuel synthesis plant, which should achieve an intuitive understanding of the internal states. 
To begin with, you will familiarise yourself with the industrial process and the structure of the components. Based on an analysis of existing sensor data, the physical structure and a literature research regarding 3D visualisation and information presentation, you will develop two 3D models. As part of your work, you will implement and assess different representation variants (e.g. heat maps, colour scales, isolines, layer representations, etc.). Finally, you will carry out a qualitative assessment of the visualisations by operators.

In detail, the work is divided into the following subsections, which are to be worked out:

1. Analysis and assessment of the current data visualisation

2. Development of intuitive component 3D models

3. Qualitative assessment of the visualisation methods

Requirements

We expect independent, goal-orientated and creative work:

• Previous knowledge in "Usability", "Data Visualisation" and/or "Information Design"

• Good German and English language skills

• Studies: Communication design, design, MCD, DIB and similar

The final thesis is advertised in the same way as a thesis advertised in the private sector. The organisation of the initial supervision is carried out independently by the students. The Institute will organise the second supervision and the technical supervision.

Support/supervision

The diverse range of tasks is supported internally by a friendly and dynamic team of specialist staff at the Solar Institute Jülich. In addition to flexible and independent working hours, we offer the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to current research and development.

Start date

From 01.09.2026 (possibly earlier)

Please combine your application documents into a single PDF document.

Supervision / Contact

Constantin Peters, M. Sc. | T +49. 241. 6009 54327 | peters(at)sij.fh-aachen.de

Background

On 20 June 2024, the world's first industrial-scale enclosure for the production of synthetic fuels using solar heat, developed by Synhelion AG, was inaugurated in Jülich. In order to operate the enclosure efficiently and safely, several operators must monitor the system status and change/adjust control parameters if necessary. This task involves the continuous monitoring of hundreds of constantly changing sensor data. The data collected must be assessed by the operators and interpreted depending on the current operating point before an informed decision can be made.

Due to the high level of complexity, working with the system is considered challenging.

Task

Your task is to develop an alternative concept for the current (and future) user interface and have this evaluated by operators.
First, you analyse the existing user interface in plant operation. Based on your observations and literature research (e.g. UX design in industrial applications, human-machine interaction (HMI), psychological aspects, etc.), you will carry out a UX analysis to identify potential for optimisation. You will then develop and describe alternative concepts for the presentation of selected data and process information, as well as interfaces for control strategies. In addition to revising/adapting the current interface, you will also design interface options for incorporating assisting systems. While the current user interface only displays current and past values on the basis of which decisions are made, possible driving modes (model predictive) and the resulting values should also be displayed in the future so that operators can "anticipate" the driving mode. The data and system predictions are determined using simulation models and are available.
A qualitative assessment of the concepts you have developed compared to the actual state forms the degree of your work.

In detail, the work is divided into the following subsections, which are to be worked out:

1. Analysis and assessment of the user interface in system operation

2. Design and implementation of a UX analysis

3. Development and qualitative assessment of alternative concepts

Requirements

We expect independent, goal-orientated and creative work:

• Previous knowledge in "Usability", "User Experience" and "Human-Computer Interaction"

• Good German and English language skills

• Degree programme: MCD, DIB, communication design or similar

The final thesis is advertised in the same way as a thesis advertised in the private sector. The organisation of the initial supervision is carried out independently by the students. The Institute will organise the second supervision and the technical supervision.

Support/supervision

The diverse range of tasks is supported internally by a friendly and dynamic team of specialist staff at the Solar Institute Jülich. In addition to flexible and independent working hours, we offer the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to current research and development.

Start date

From 01.09.2026 (possibly earlier)

Please combine your application documents into a single PDF document.

Supervision / Contact

Constantin Peters, M. Sc. | T +49. 241. 6009 54327 | peters(at)sij.fh-aachen.de

Background

In order to optimise the operation of a pilot plant for solar fuels built in Jülich, a digital twin of the same enclosure is being developed as part of the TwinSF project. High-precision physical models of the individual components, including the reforming reactor, must be developed to optimise operation. As part of research work, an initial model of the reactor was created in the Dymola environment (Modelica programming language).

The aim of the work is to implement a modelling approach for describing the reaction dynamics. In the course of the work, this approach is to be compared with the existing approach.

Task

Your task is to develop, optimise and validate a new, innovative reaction model for the existing reformer model.
First, you will analyse the implemented reaction model (based on Gibb's minimisation) and a second, not yet implemented model approach. Based on an additional literature review, you will develop a new reaction model. After implementation in the existing reformer model, you compare your results with the current model. Finally, you will optimise the model as far as possible.

In detail, the work is divided into the following subsections, which are to be worked out:

1. Analysing the implemented and innovative approach

2. Development & implementation of your own reaction model

3. Validation, optimisation & model comparison

Requirements

We expect independent, goal-orientated and creative work:

• Good programming skills required

• Good German language skills (the work itself can also be written in English)

• Study: Bio/chemistry, mechanical engineering, energy technology

Support/supervision

The diverse range of tasks is supported internally by a friendly and dynamic team of specialist staff at the Solar Institute Jülich. In addition to flexible and independent working hours, we offer the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to current research and development.

Start date

From 01.04.2026 (possibly earlier)

Please combine your application documents into a single PDF document.

Supervision / Contact

Constantin Peters, M. Sc. | T +49. 241. 6009 54327 | peters(at)sij.fh-aachen.de

Background

In order to optimise the operation of a pilot plant for solar fuels built in Jülich, a digital twin of the same enclosure is being developed as part of the TwinSF project. High-precision physical models of the individual components, including the reforming reactor, must be developed to optimise operation. As part of research work, an initial model of the components was created in the Dymola environment (Modelica programming language).

The aim of the work is to optimise the existing Modelica model with regard to the internal thermodynamic processes. The description of the chemical reforming itself is not in focus.

Task

Your task is to analyse the existing reformer model, identify potential for optimisation and implement this.
First, you will analyse the existing model. Based on a parallel literature review, you will identify optimisation potential. The focus is particularly on the description of the thermodynamic processes in the reformer. On completion of the analysis, you will implement your approaches. Finally, you will validate your results using real plant data.

In detail, the work is divided into the following subsections, which are to be worked out:

1. Literature research & potential analysis.

2. Further development & optimisation of the existing model approach.

3. Validation of your own approach using real plant data.

Requirements

We expect independent, goal-orientated & creative work:

• Good programming skills required

• Good/very good understanding in the field of thermodynamics

• Good German language skills (the thesis itself can also be written in English)

• Studies: Mechanical engineering, energy technology, computer science

Support/supervision

The diverse range of tasks will be supported internally by a friendly and dynamic team of specialist staff at the Solar Institute Jülich. In addition to flexible and independent working hours, we offer the opportunity to contribute your own ideas to current research and development.

Start date

From 01.04.2026 (possibly earlier)

Please combine your application documents into a single PDF document.

Supervision / Contact

Constantin Peters, M. Sc. | T +49. 241. 6009 54327 | peters(at)sij.fh-aachen.de

Context

A digital twin of a pilot plant for solar fuel synthesis in Jülich is being developed in order to optimise plant operation. For this purpose, machine learning models are used to predict or monitor the plant behaviour, but their performance is currently limited by the low availability of real training data. Synthetic data generated from existing physical simulation models will be used to expand the training data set. The generation of synthetic data can be effective in extending data sets and bridging the gap between simulation and real application. The work investigates how suitable synthetic training datasets can be created to improve generalisation capability and accuracy.

Task

Your main tasks will be to investigate and implement strategies to generate synthetic data to improve the performance of an existing machine learning model. First, you will conduct a comprehensive literature review of methods in comparable applications and assess their relevance and proven success. Based on these findings, you will plan and conduct experiments to generate synthetic training data using the existing dynamic, physics-based simulation models. You then retrain the ML model with the extended data sets or carry out fine-tuning and evaluate the impact on accuracy and robustness. To do this, you define suitable KPIs to make the strategies quantitatively comparable. Finally, you will analyse which strategy achieves the greatest improvement and discuss the associated trade-offs.

Requirements

• Independent and goal-orientated way of working
• Good knowledge of machine learning required
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g. Dymola) an advantage
• Confident handling of common MS Office applications
• Good German or English language skills
• Field of study: computer science, energy/process engineering or similar

What we offer

• The opportunity to contribute your own ideas to current research projects that are being realised by industry partners
• Flexible working hours, pleasant working environment and collaboration in a young, committed team

Please attach a single PDF document to your application (contents: cover letter, CV, transcript of records, certificates, references, etc.).

Support / Contact

Falko Schneider, M. Sc. | T +49. 241. 6009 53544 | f.schneider(at)sij.fh-aachen.de

Background

Thermal energy storage systems are suitable for a wide range of applications in energy technology and industry. They make it possible to balance energy supply and demand over time. They therefore help to stabilise the energy supply in the event of volatile supply from renewable energy sources. They also allow economic utilisation of price fluctuations on the market. However, in order to successfully utilise thermal storage systems, precise knowledge of their internal dynamics is required. This ensures that heat storage systems and industrial processes work together reliably at all times
.

Task

• Research into the fundamentals and the state of the art
• Development of a CFD model of the thermal energy storage system in ANSYS Fluent
• Investigation of different modelling approaches
• Validation of the model using test data from the multiTESS plant at Brainergypark

Requirements

• Structured, independent and goal-orientated way of working
• Very good knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and mathematics
• Very good analytical skills, creativity
• Degree in energy technology, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics or similar
• Professional handling of MS Office applications etc.
• Experience in simulation and modelling, ideally in the field of CFD advantageous

We offer

• Support for the successful completion of your final thesis at the Solar Institute Jülich
• Opportunities to actively contribute your own ideas to current research topics
  

Application

Please submit the following documents in a single PDF document: max. one-page cover letter, max. two-page curriculum vitae in tabular form, current transcript of records and Bachelor's degree certificate.

Supervision / Contact

Jonas Schulte, M. Sc. | T +49. 241. 6009 53502 | j.schulte(at)sij.fh-aachen.de

Hintergrund

Die Dekarbonisierung der Industrie erfordert eine präzise Auslegung komplexer Energiesysteme. Hierbei konkurrieren unterschiedliche Software-Philosophien: Etablierte Desktop-Lösungen wie TopEnergy bieten eine hohe thermodynamische Detailtiefe 
(Massenströme, Druck, Temperatur), während moderne Cloud-Lösungen wie RIZM auf Abstraktion, GIS-basierte Visualisierung und schnelle Rechenleistung setzen. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll untersucht werden, wie sich diese unterschiedlichen Ansätze auf die Qualität der Investitionsentscheidungen (CAPEX) und die operativen Betriebskosten (OPEX) unter volatilen Marktbedingungen auswirken. 

Ziel der Arbeit 
Ziel der Arbeit ist ein systematischer Vergleich zwischen TopEnergy und RIZM anhand eines industriellen Use-Cases (Sektorenkopplung). Es soll validiert werden, ob die physikalischen Vereinfachungen einer Cloud-Lösung durch die höhere Rechenperformance und optimierte Zielfunktionen kompensiert werden können oder ob signifikante Abweichungen in der technischen Machbarkeit entstehen. 

Aufgabe

Ihre Aufgabe umfasst die Modellierung, Simulation und den "Cross-Check" eines industriellen Energiesystems in beiden Softwareumgebungen. Zunächst konzipieren Sie ein Referenzszenario (PV, Speicher, Power-to-Heat) unter Berücksichtigung von dynamischen Strompreisen (EPEX Spot). Sie führen eine Struktur- und Betriebsoptimierung in beiden Tools durch und analysieren die resultierenden Anlagenkonfigurationen. Ein besonderer Fokus liegt auf dem Cross-Check: Die in der Cloud (RIZM) dimensionierten Anlagen werden im Detailmodell (TopEnergy) auf ihre physikalische Belastbarkeit geprüft. 

Im Detail gliedert sich die Arbeit in folgende Teilabschnitte: 

• Modellaufbau & Validierung: Implementierung des Basisszenarios in TopEnergy und RIZM sowie Abgleich der Simulationsergebnisse (Nullmessung).
• Strukturoptimierung: Durchführung von Greenfield-Optimierungen zur Ermittlung des idealen Mixes aus CAPEX und OPEX.
• Cross-Check & Sensitivitätsanalyse: Übertragung der RIZM-Ergebnisse in die thermodynamische Umgebung von TopEnergy und Analyse der Abwei­chungen bei Leistungspreis- vs. Arbeitspreisoptimierung.
• Evaluation: Bewertung der Software-Usability (GIS-Ansatz vs. Fließschema) und der Performance (Rechenzeit vs. Ergebnisgüte).

Anforderungen

Wir erwarten neben selbstständigem, zielorientiertem & strukturiertem Arbeiten:

• Gutes Verständnis von Energiesystemen und Sektorenkopplung
• Interesse an wirtschaftlichen zusammenhängen (LCOE, CAPEX/OPEX, Strommarkt)
• Idealerweise erste Erfahrungen mit Optimierungssoftware (MILP) oder Simulationswerkzeugen
• Analytische Denkweise zum Vergleich unterschiedlicher Software-Logiken
• Studium: Energietechnik, Maschinenbau, Elektrotechnik, Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen, Erneuerbare Energien oder Informatik

Unterstützung/Begleitung

Die Aufgabenstellung wird durch ein erfahrenes Team unterstützt, das sowohl in der klassischen Modellierung als auch in modernen Cloud-Tools versiert ist. Wir bieten Zugang zu den benötigten Softwarelizenzen und realen Marktdaten des Jahres 2024/2025. 

Start 
Ab dem 01.04.2026 (ggf. auch früher möglich). 

Bewerbung

Bitte kombinieren Sie Ihre Bewerbungsunterlagen zu einem einzigen PDF-Dokument.

Betreuung / Kontakt

Tobias Blanke, M.Sc.  | T +49.241.6009 51208 | blankesij.fh-aachen.de

Prof. Dr.-lng. Spiros Alexopoulos 
Email: alexopoulosfh-aachen.de