PhD Thesis - AI Solar Forecasting for PV Balancing Power (f/m/x)

The Energy Meteorology Group collects meteorological data and identifies parameters essential for the design, operation, and qualification of solar power plants. The team has developed software tools to measure and forecast solar irradiance, analyze solar module soiling and determine other parameters such as albedo using ground-based cameras and satellite data. 

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!

Req ID:  470

Place of work:  Almeria

Starting date:  01.04.2025

Career level:  Doctorate

Type of employment:  Part time

Duration of contract:  3 Jahre

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

What to expect
Are you passionate about renewable energy? Join our Institute of Solar Research in Almería (Spain), one of the sunniest places in Europe, to develop an AI-based solar irradiance forecasting tool. In your PhD thesis you will develop accurate solar forecasts that enable PV systems to provide balancing power even without the use of batteries. In doing so, you will make an important contribution to the expansion of solar energy and the transition to a CO2-neutral society.
You will focus on the generation of intra-hour solar forecasts with high spatial and temporal resolution, also known as "nowcasts." Using ground-based and satellite-based measurement data, you will integrate diverse input streams to train advanced AI-models to learn the complex dynamics of clouds. Your models will predict potential future cloud cover and solar irradiance, which will form the foundation for PV production forecasts. You’ll test your models in large-scale commercial solar power plants to evaluate their real-world applicability in PV balancing power solutions.

• You’ll get to work with a diverse, highly motivated and successful team, all committed to building a sustainable future.
• You’ll work closely with colleagues and your tutors to discuss ideas and challenges and to ensure consistent research development.
• You'll have a opportunity to help address climate change and to advance renewable energy solutions.
• You can participate in DLR’s Graduate Program, with opportunities for continuous education and advanced training courses.
• Access to unique testing facilities, extensive datasets and state-of-the-art High-Performance Computing Clusters, especially designed for data-driven model development. 
• An interesting PhD thesis designed to be completed within three years.
• You will work in Almería, a sunny city on the Mediterranean coast.

Your tasks

• Initial familiarization: Familiarize yourself with the research environment, including datasets, forecasting tools and methodologies, drawing on available resources and team expertise to build a strong foundation.
• Research and planning: Review existing solar forecasting methods and identify gaps. Define research objectives, with input and support from your tutors, to address these challenges.
• Model development: Design and develop AI models for solar irradiance nowcasting. Train and validate using available long-term data sets.
• Evaluation: Assess the performance of the model through rigorous analysis and evaluate its operational suitability for PV balancing power solutions.
• Documentation and dissemination: Contribute to the advancement of solar energy innovation by publishing results in scientific journals and presenting research at international conferences.

Your profile

• A Master's degree in computer science, physics, engineering or related field
• A keen interest in renewable energy and data science
• Strong problem-solving, research and communication skills
• Experience in Python using AI, machine learning and/or computer vision tools
• The ability to work independently and collaborate in an international team
• Confident in speaking and writing English
• Prior experience or interest in data analysis, computer vision, and software versioning systems is an advantage. 
   

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 470) please contact:

[[Bijan Nouri bijan.nouri@dlr.de]] 
Tel.: [[+49 2203 6014 160]] 

DLR - Helmholtz / Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt

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