With more than 120 employees, the Institute of Solar Research conducts research into a sustainable and CO2-free energy supply from solar energy. Our research focuses on concentrating solar technologies that convert sunlight into heat, electricity and fuels. We also conduct research in related areas: We use sensor technology and data analysis to evaluate the energy efficiency of buildings and develop refurbishment strategies. We develop systems for solar power plants and photovoltaic systems to measure and predict solar radiation data. Other important areas of Research include the quality assurance of solar thermal power plants and photovoltaic systems and the decarbonisation of the chemical industry.

What to expect

In concentrated solar technologies (CST), accurately measuring and predicting the flux density of concentrated solar radiation is critical for optimizing energy efficiency and system performance. You will be part of an innovative project that combines cutting-edge AI techniques with real-time digital twin technologies for flux density measurements (FDM). The project integrates data-driven models, advanced neural networks, and state-of-the-art simulation methods to optimize predictions and measurements in power plants.

• Work on the final stages of a groundbreaking methodology with real-world applications.
• Collaborate in two European-level projects where your contributions will directly impact the development and testing of this technique.
• Gain hands-on experience with high-performance computing and advanced image processing for real-time predictions.
• Join a multidisciplinary team working at the intersection of AI, engineering, and energy systems.

Your tasks

• Train and refine AI models: Work with a pre-trained U-Net neural network, adapting it to real-world measurements from various power plants and conditions.
• Optimize simulations: Integrate and optimize cavity geometries for FDM, using high-power computing to achieve near-real-time performance.
• Develop data pipelines: Ensure smooth data flow throughout the entire algorithm, from input to output.
• Apply advanced AI techniques: Correct distortions between simulations and measurements using graphic neural networks and high-performance image processing.
• Test your work in real experiments: Contribute to practical applications and refine methods based on experimental feedback.

Your profile

• student (preferably with a bachelor's degree) in engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computational engineering science or similar scientific fields
• You are experienced with Python programming and speak fluent English.
• You already worked with neural networks and digital image processing.
• You have knowledge about fundamentals of concentrated solar power plants and heat transfer.
• You are motivated to work in a team.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 715) please contact:

Sergio Diaz Alonso
Tel.: +49 2461 93730 244