Student Assistant "Hybridization Of Concentrated Solar Energy And Software Development"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 800 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.0 billion euros.

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, safe and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research focus on energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, company spin-offs and global cooperation, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

Concentrating solar power (CSP) technology is an important option in regions of the world with strong direct sunlight for environmentally and climate-friendly electricity generation both during the day and at night. A key strategy to increase the efficiency and reliability of CSP power plants is hybridization, where renewable energy sources or storage technologies are combined with concentrating solar technology. By combining CSP power plants with other renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics (PV), wind or batteries, hybrid plants offer numerous benefits, including increased overall efficiency, a reduction in the total cost of electricity and improved flexibility in power generation.

In our group, we are researching the next generation of CSP hybridization. Through software simulations and modeling, we can optimize the quality, efficiency, functionality and control of hybrid plants. Examples of such topics include component selection, site analysis, electric heater integration, techno-economic optimization and power plant operation strategies. Your role will support our efforts to identify solutions offered by CSP hybridization.

For our group "Concentrating Systems and Technologies" we are looking for a Student Assistant to start as soon as possible.

What you will do

• You will collaborate with our team of scientists to further development our in-house software tool, ColSimCSP, specialized in the design and simulation of hybrid concentrating solar systems.
• A key role for this position will be contributing to the development of ColSimCSP. This means you will:
  • Expand and build-upon various software models for hybrid power plants and their components.
  • Evaluate simulation results and validate your implementations.
  • Perform techno-economic optimization studies for future publications.
  • Utilize object-oriented and modular programming (C++/Python) and clearly document 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 (C++, Python) and have already worked on software projects.
• You are interested in the research of renewable energy hybridization, power plant performance, and energy economics.
• You have a 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 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.

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 partly work from home.
• In addition, we maintain a cooperative working atmosphere and open communication.
• We value equal opportunities and provide space for diversity.

The remuneration depends on the degree of the university education. The monthly working hours should be 20 - 80 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.

Interested? Apply online now (including your CV, motivation letter and if available certificates). We look forward to getting to know you!

For questions to this position, please contact

Nicholas Chandler

+49 761 4588-5061

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 71920 Application Deadline:

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