Master Thesis – Simulation of District Heating Grid Dynamics with Julia

The Fraunhofer Research Facility for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy IEG is involved in many exciting national and international projects which actively contribute to the energy transition towards a fully renewable power generation. 

District heating grids (DHG) are a critical infrastructure in the decarbonization of the heating sector. To fully realize their potential, there is a need for greater operational flexibility. This requires the development of new control concepts that can manage the complex interactions within DHG networks. Numerical simulations are an effective tool for testing these concepts, allowing researchers to refine them before implementation. This thesis aims to model the dynamics of large DHG networks and develop efficient simulations using Julia, a programming language designed for scientific computing. The simulations will be used to test innovative control concepts that enhance the operational flexibility of DHG networks.

What you will do

• Literature review on modeling and simulation of DHG dynamics
• Discretization of the flow dynamics with finite element method (FEM)
• Implementation of the dynamical system using the Julia package NetworkDynamics.jl
• Performing simulations of large realistic DHG models
• Benchmarking the simulations against other simulation tools

What you bring to the table

• Student in Physics, Physical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Computational Science or a similar program
• Very good programming skills in one higher programming language (preferably Julia)
• Experience in modeling and simulating dynamical systems
• Knowledge in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics

What you can expect

• Flexible working hours and possibility to work remotely
• Open and friendly teamwork
• Exciting seminars and events 

We value and promote the diversity of our employees’ skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Questions about the application process will be answered by:

Mr. Philipp Steinborn

Tel: +49 355 35540 172

Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Systems IEG 

www.ieg.fraunhofer.de  

Requisition Number: 66192                Application Deadline: 06/30/2023