RESEARCHER (M/F) IN THE FIELD OF MODELLING LOW-TEMPERATURE DISTRICT HEATING AND COOLING NETWORK APPLICATIONS

Institute for Renewable Energy The Institute for Renewable Energy is involved in a range of research projects dealing with the design, control and monitoring of innovative heating and cooling systems for multifamily buildings and district heating & cooling networks, exploiting a combination of vapour compression heat pump and low-temperature waste heat and renewable energy sources.
With respect to district heating & cooling (DHC), reaching the Efficient DHC targets according to the EU Energy Efficiency Directive is currently a challenge for all utility companies of the sector.
This requires the identification and integration of large amounts of sustainable sources, possibly coupled to short- and long-term storages to maximize their exploitation.
At the same time, the shift towards fluctuating and low-temperature sources requires to revisit operational conditions and control (both at network and substation level).
the pathway towards a fully decarbonized DHC sector therefore involves infrastructural as well as operational changes.
EURAC is tackling this problem with a combination of aggregated techno-economic models (mostly focused on investment optimization) and mode detailed physical models (mostly suitable for operational optimization), ranging from system to components analysis.
The successful candidate will contribute to modelling district heating & cooling systems aimed to their optimal planning and control.
Tasks.
It is expected that the candidate will.
Collaborate to expand existing and elaborate new numerical models suited to simulate District Heating and Cooling networks and of related substations, integrating heat pumps and thermal storages Develop management strategies, devoted to optimizing the flexible operation of District Heating and Cooling networks Assess technical and economic benefits associated with the developed solutions Collaborate with industrial partners in consultancy and in public funded projects Write scientific publications and project reports Requirements.
Master in energy engineering or similar; knowledge/experience in District Heating and Cooling networks and/or heat pumps sector.
A PhD or direct work experience in a related field (including energy efficiency in industry, renewable sources, storages) are considered a plus Knowledge/experience in modelling thermo-hydraulic systems Good programming skills, possibly including Python and Matlab.
Knowledge/experience in optimization, machine learning, and operation research is a plus Familiarity with GIS is a plus Interest in developing a career in energy systems analysis, blending technical details with economic feasibility Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Proactive, independent approach to achieve objectives and positive attitude to team building Proficient command of English, written and spoken; Italian and/or German are desirable We offer.
The opportunity to work on an innovative topic, in collaboration with innovative companies, contributing to the development of advanced products, delivering sustainable heating and cooling to residential and tertiary buildings The opportunity to work in a young international team in a fast-growing and relevant sector Working conditions which foster continuous professional growth and know-how acquisition with career opportunity as applied researcher A stunningly beautiful surrounding offering a very high quality of life The position is initially offered for a period of one year with a very high probability to be extended Eurac Research has been elected among the best workplaces in Italy and offers many opportunities in combining work and family activities How to apply.
Interested candidates should submit their application (CV, cover letter and further relevant documents) by