Student assistant: Simultaneous Demand Response of processes and energy systems

Reference number: 2021M-085, Energy- or Process Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Engineering Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics

Student assistant: Simultaneous Demand Response of processes and energy systems

Background
IEK-10 focuses on the optimal design and operation of integrated, decentralized energy systems with a high share of renewable energy. Computer simulation and numerical optimization are our essential tools to arrive at efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solutions. We contribute both to the development of mathematical models and to the development of improved optimization algorithms, tailored to specific problems related to energy systems. Our methods and software-tools are validated against operating data of real systems. Furthermore, we conduct comprehensive case studies to test and further improve the scalability and the performance of our models and algorithms.

Context and Assignment
An increased share of renewable electricity production challenges the grid with its volatility and causes imbalances of supply and demand. These imbalances lead to time-varying electricity prices on the electricity market, which incentivizes flexible power-consumers to apply demand response (DR), i.e., shifting production from low to high priced hours. DR lowers electricity cost of power consumers and helps stabilizing the grid.

In the chemical industry, many processes consume thermal energy supplied by local systems. These processes can only contribute to DR if their operation is optimized simultaneously with the local energy supply system. These local energy supply systems couple different forms of energy and exchange electricity with the electricity grid. However, a simultaneous DR optimization of production processes and energy systems leads to computationally challenging nonlinear mixed-integer dynamic optimization problems. IEK-10 develops methods to solve such challenging optimization problems in real-time. The task of the student assistant is to implement relevant case studies from literature, verify optimization results, and evaluate the DR performance using simulations. Thereby, the student assistant contributes to the method development at IEK-10.

Your profile

• You are a bachelor/master student with very good background in Energy- or Process Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Engineering Sciences, Computer Science, Mathematics, or similar
• Experience in optimization methods and programming of advantage
• Ability to work independently
• Interest in energy systems and scheduling optimization

Our offer

• A friendly and welcoming work environment
• Highly motivated scientists of different subject areas working together
• Deep insight into demand response and operational optimization
• Broad insight into energy systems / energy-intensive processes
• Supervision by experts in their respective fields
• Your work will be remunerated

Due to the SARS-CoV-2 regulations, work is currently done in the home office. We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from everyone! If you are interested, please send us your complete application.

Contact:
Florian Baader
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Institute of Energy and Climate Research
Energy Systems Engineering (IEK-10)
52425 Jülich

Email: f.baader@fz-juelich.de