Master Thesis - User Behavior in Buildings based on Automated Model Generation

Your Job:

The building sector offers a large potential for energy savings and the realization of the climate and energy consumption goals defined by Germany and the EU. Using building simulation models, the energy consumption during operation can be simulated from different angles. Based on a toolchain, which automatically generates building Modelica models based on an intuitive language for room descriptions developed at the institute, campus building plans and measurement data, simulation should be conducted with respect to different aspects that are playing an ever greater role in future buildings. In this work, it should be analyzed, based on existing measurement data, how much the real user behavior on the campus deviates from an ideal simulated one. The deviation of the consumption estimated during the planning of the building from the one measured during operation constitutes a peculiarity that occurs in a wide range of buildings. This phenomenon should be further investigated to reveal inefficiencies in user behavior and to provide a base for sensitization of users. Tools for conducting the work are Python for implementation of the analysis tools and partly the simulation software Dymola for simulation and modeling of the Modelica building models.

Your tasks in detail:

• Simulation and analysis of the deviation between real and ideal, energy-efficient user behavior based on existing measurement data
  
• Investigation of the widespread phenomenon that the energy consumption estimated during the planning of buildings substantially deviates from the one measured during operation
  
• Revealing of inefficiencies in user behavior and provision of a base for sensitization of users
  
• Tools are Python for implementation of the analysis tools and partly the simulation software Dymola for simulation and modeling of the Modelica building models

Your Profile:

• Master studies in the field of of mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, process engineering, informatics and mathematics or similar
  
• Good knowledge of a programming language, preferably Python and Modelica
  
• Interest in topics of energy engineering and building simulation
  
• Knowledge in one of the fields of modeling or control of technical systems beneficial
  
• Independent working style and good analytical skills
  
• Willingness to familiarize yourself with new methods
  
• Reliable and conscientious style of working
  
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• Highly motivated scientists of different subject areas working together
  
• Interdisciplinary work combining physics, mathematics, computer science, and engineering
  
• Intensive supervision by one or more experienced and helpful colleague(s)
  
• Friendly and welcoming work environment
  
• A diverse and highly motivated working group of international character within one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• An excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• Excellent technical equipment to successfully work from home
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.