1 Postdoctoral position on multi-dimension control system in Netherlands | Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

This 4-year project aims to bridge the gap between the built environment and Smart Energy Systems (SES) by developing a multi-dimension control system, i.e. energy forms including electricity, heat, cold and gas; physical entities including building, community, and grid; as well as time horizon from minutes to hours, and years. That allows buildings interacting with each other to obtain the neutral energy environment as well as unleashing their flexibility to support SES. The SES-BE control system treats each building as an (active) end-users and enable in-building control strategies taking multi-commodity (electricity, heat, and gas) nature of the built environment into account. The control system will be used to link building energy management system (BEMS) withcommunity energy management system (CEMS). Generic energy management concepts and systems for buildings (BEMS) and communities (CEMS) will have to be developed and defined. The basis for further process control research and optimization is given by these concepts and systems including also different scenario's regarding changes in the future especially user behaviour and the development of the energy demand. Different interfaces will be specified based on common requirement involved stakeholders such as energy suppliers, aggregator and building owners.

The PostDoc will focus on energy communities and developing Community Energy Management Systems. The PostDoc will also be active in the dissemination of the scientific results and project outcomes. The PostDoc will cooperate within the project team with other team members from TU/e, RHDHV, and BAM Technology to realize a demonstrator of an predictive CEMS. This project is part of the STW Perspective Program Interactive energy management systems and lifecycle performance design for energy infrastructures of local communities (project B).

Within the research there is cooperation with the department of Electrical Engineering of the TU/e and TUD as well as with Centre of Informatics and Mathematics (CWI) Amsterdam. Research at TU/e is characterized by a combination of academic excellence and real-world impact. This impact is often obtained via close collaboration with regional high-tech institutes and enterprises. Two of these enterprises are RHDHV and BAM Technology, who focus on Life Cycle performance Design (LCPD) and defining generic energy concepts & systems for buildings & communities.

Requirements

Candidates for this position should have a PhD degree in Building Services, Process Control, Mechanical Engineering or a related field. We particularly mention BEMS, Process Control Theory and Multi Agent Theory, as research areas that the PostDoc should be familiar with. Strong analytic, programming and simulation skills are required, along with an inquisitive and reflective attitude and the ability to think systematically. Since this project involves a multidisciplinary collaboration with multiple partners, strong social and team working skills are also required.

Conditions of employment

We offer:

• A challenging job at a dynamic, high-ranking and ambitious University.
• A salary is offered between € 2977.- and 3908,- gross per month (gross), depending on knowledge and experience (based on salary scale 10 CAO Dutch Universities).
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent technical infrastructure, child care, savings schemes, and excellent sports facilities, extra holiday allowance (8%, May), and end-of-year bonus (8.3%, December). The duration of the project is maximum four years. Initially the postdoc will be hired for two years. The project is expected to start in June 2016.
• Foreign experts may benefit from the 30% tax regulation in order to get a higher net salary, when granted.