Postdoc in Optimal Control and Energy Management for Compact Thermal Storage Systems towards Optimal use of Cross-Sectoral Flexibility

Updated: over 2 years ago
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Innovative compact thermal energy storage(CTES) technologies, such as phase change materials (PCM) based, have a huge potential in the building sector. With integrated heat pumps and/or electric heaters, the CTES technologies are able to match the variable demand of heating/cooling of buildings while offering flexibility services to electricity and heat network operators through regulating the heat flow and the associated electrical power consumption.

At the Department of Electrical Engineering, we are looking for an ambitious young researcher for a 2-year Postdoc position to work on the topic “optimal control and energy management of innovative compact thermal energy storage (CTES) systems”. You will take part in an EU project, ComBioTES, and join a research team at DTU that has a very strong track record of developing experiment-based applicable smart grids and integrated energy systems solutions. For example, the project will build on research works and achievements of prior projects like Energylab Nordhavn, Ecogrid2.0 and iPower, wherein knowledge and experience related to demand-side flexibility modeling, economic model predictive control, and network service-oriented flexibility management were collected.

Responsibilities and Qualifications
The two-year Postdoc study will combine data-driven modelling methods and model predictive control theory with solid hands-on practice to ensure a robust and generic design of the control and management strategies that can be implemented with balanced optimality and practicality under different operation conditions. The developed solutions will be first tested at DTUs SYSLAB and then demonstrated in several live households across Europe and China.

Your primary responsibilities and tasks will be to:

  • Develop network-service-oriented control and energy management strategies for CTES;
  • Test and validate the strategies using both model-based simulations and experiments;
  • Explore the potential of offering multiple energy services under various market and service frameworks either simultaneously or consecutively to achieve optimal economic revenue;
  • Collaborate with project partners and other researchers on delivering high-quality research outputs, e.g. in peer-reviewed journals, and project deliverables;
  • Supervise/co-supervise MSc and PhD projects

As a formal qualification, you should possess or be nearing completion of a PhD degree (or equivalent). The ideal candidate is expected to have

  • a relevant background in one or more of the areas: control and automation, computer science, mathematical modeling and programming, electrical engineering and/or civil engineering,
  • Expertise in thermal energy storage, demand response and/or building management, 
  • Hands-on experience with design and development of control and energy management solutions for live applications,
  • Good programming skills (mainly Python and Matlab) ,
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively,
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Furthermore, you should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious, and are comfortable with meeting deadlines.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 2 years, starting on Feb. 1, 2022 or soon thereafter. 

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Senior Researcher Shi You, tel.: +45 61396266, [email protected]

You can read more about Department of Electrical Engineering at www.elektro.dtu.dk  and Centre for Electric Power and Energy on www.cee.elektro.dtu.dk .   

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than1 December 2021 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

  • Application (cover letter)
  • CV
  • Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD)
  • List of publications
  • Copy of a single publication that is relevant to the post

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.



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