R&D Expert Advanced Control of Thermal Networks

As a Flemish, internationally recognized research center, VITO aims to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. VITO performs innovative activities for, among others, the Thermal Energy Systems sector. Thermal networks are gaining more attention in the process of decarbonization of heating and cooling systems, due to their potential to increase the energy system flexibility through, for example, demand-side management. A better understanding and representation of these systems through realistic data-driven models, advanced control and condition monitoring strategies will lead to better design and operation. You will actively participate in research projects as expert on thermal energy systems with specific focus on advanced control, optimization, and condition monitoring algorithms for thermal networks and their components. You will use your skills to achieve the abovementioned goals. You will also be involved in the practical implementation of the developed tools and strategies in relevant thermal networks.

You will be based in VITO/EnergyVille in Thor Park Genk, Belgium.

Your responsibilities

• In the ‘Thermal energy systems’ group you are one of the experts on thermal networks with specific expertise in advanced control, optimization and condition monitoring
• You develop and actively contribute to team developments of novel and/or advanced control, optimization and condition monitoring with main focus at system level.
• You develop and implement mathematical models of thermal networks and their components (white-, gray- and black-box models).
• You prepare and follow up the implementation of the developed control and condition monitoring strategies in thermal networks.
• You prepare data collection, interpret the measurement results (process and analyze the gathered data) from pilots/demonstrators and refine the modelling, design, control, (condition) monitoring and optimization strategies.
• You can pinpoint (and tackle some of) the challenges related to deployment of thermal networks and also understand, improve and eventually devise novel, creative concepts to model, control, monitor and optimize their operation.
• You contribute to the preparation, execution and reporting of fundamental and/or applied research proposals
• You contribute to the implementation and technology transfer of the provided technical solutions together with relevant market players.
• You work in various project teams with multi-disciplinary expertise towards common goals.
• You translate your research results into relevant information and advice for the involved stakeholders including industry and academia.
• You communicate your own or project team results in clear and high-quality reports, scientific papers and presentations.
• You actively extend your network to improve scientific excellence, to increase the visibility and impact of relevant research results in your area of expertise and also to expand and enhance the team contacts and cooperation with relevant thermal networks stakeholders.

• You hold a master’s degree in engineering or Applied Mathematics. Holding a PhD-degree is a bonus.
• You have at least 5 years of proven experience and track record on advanced control and optimization of dynamical systems in the energy sector, eventually including data-driven modeling. You want to further extend and apply your knowledge into the thermal energy sector and more specifically on thermal networks.
• You have solid knowledge of advanced control methods, model predictive control, (non-linear) optimization algorithms and basic experience with machine learning for the development of data-driven models.
• You have good understanding of thermodynamics and numerical modelling techniques in dynamic thermal-hydraulic systems and have the clear ambition to invest further in this knowledge.
• You have very good implementation skills in Python and you are familiar with Python packages such as NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, and packages supporting numerical optimization such as Pyomo and CasADi; knowledge of Modelica and TRNSYS are considered a bonus.

Are you eager to grasp different ideas and detect relevant research questions with your multidisciplinary team? Do you enjoy acting on an international platform? Do you think connecting with researchers and other stakeholders is a must for conducting excellent research? Then don’t hesitate and take your chance! You can apply until November 30.

Offer

• If you’re tired of the frequent commute, you’ve come to the right place. We work ’activity based’, our activities bring us to our location. Our EnergyVille office is in Genk. Part-time work from home, our headquarter in Mol, or working from a satellite office in Antwerp-Berchem, Ghent or Ostend is possible.
• A competitive salary with a range of benefits including allowances, insurances, and a modular vacation package.
• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to follow additional training courses and stay up to date in their field of expertise. You always get the opportunity to broaden your knowledge on BMS applications and their components towards innovative and robust designs and solutions.
• You will be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its advanced technological research and scientific consultancy.
• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national, and global level through your innovative applications. You provide an answer to today’s societal challenges.
• Moreover, at VITO we attach great importance to work-life balance! We do this by being flexible, depending on your specific needs.