Job description
The fluctuating nature of renewable energy sources makes it attractive to heat or cool a building at moments when this would not be required for comfort, letting it serve as an energy storage system. To make this type of storage efficient, real-time temperature and airflow regulation is required. Modern buildings are typically equipped with complex sensor systems. However, their climate control system is in general solely based on the information acquired from the sensor network, not considering convective heat transport. A breakthrough in climate control systems can be accomplished by complementing state-of-the-art sensor networks with predictive physics-based simulations. Within this project, you will develop a sensor network and a hierarchical digital twin (“Gemini Digitalis”) incorporating convective heat transport, together forming a real-time building thermal management system.
Job Description
Within the Gemini Digitalis project, you will develop a hybrid physics- and data-based hierarchical digital twin, consisting of three resolution scales. Each scale has a different level of detail and, if predictions at a certain moment do not match measurements, the subsequent scale is activated to enrich the physical fidelity of the model. Furthermore, you will design a modular sensor prototype to calibrate the hierarchical models. The most prominent components of the Gemini Digitalis project are:
- The design of a hierarchical thermo-fluids model with three resolution scales that are activated to enrich the physical fidelity depending on the current requirements.
- The design of a modular sensor to collect the necessary data for the hierarchical digital twin. You will investigate both the sensor type and information that is required.
- The development of performance-enhancing techniques to allow for a real-time evaluation of the digital twin. Hereby, you will make use of methods such as space and time parallelization as well as model order reduction techniques.
- The calibration of the digital twin with the data obtained from the sensor network.
- The final optimization of the placement of the sensor modules within the building.
The Gemini Digitalis project is part of the multi-disciplinary “Engineering Design research program” of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The project is a collaboration between the sections Dynamics and Control (focused on systems, dynamics and control), Power and Flow (focused on convective heat transport) and Energy Technology (focused on modeling and experimentation for energy systems) and is closely linked with scientists from the Department of Built Environment. Therefore, the setting, as well as the content of the project, e.g. the multi-physical nature of the digital twin, requires multi-disciplinary work. You will be embedded into the group of Dynamics and Control and assume educational tasks like the supervision of master students and internships.
Job requirements
- You have experience with or a strong background in applied mathematics, physics and computational engineering. Preferably, you finished a Master’s program in the areas of (Applied) Mathematics, (Applied) Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Systems and Control, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
- You enjoy working on the development of a tangible prototype in order to acquire realistic data for the numerical model calibration.
- You are a proficient programmer.
- You have good communication skills and the attitude to participate successfully in the work of a research team.
- You have good command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch is not required).
- You are a talented and enthusiastic young researcher.
Conditions of employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:
- Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
- Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 27.
- A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
- High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
- An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children’s day care and sports facilities.
- An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
- A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.
Information and application
About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Information
More information about the project can be obtained through the project’s supervisory team:
I. Cortes Garcia (i.cortes.garcia[at]tue.nl), S.K.F. Stoter (k.f.s.stoter[at]tue.nl),
and C.V. Verhoosel (c.v.verhoosel[at]tue.nl).
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment.
You can also contact HRServices.Gemini[at]tue.nl.
Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.
Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:
- Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications (if any) and the contact information of three references.
- Transcript of BSc and MSc courses with grades.
We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.