Thesis "Parallel contingency analysis in dynamic security assessment of electricity grids"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel conducts research in the fields of energy economics and energy systems technology, specialising in the following areas: Energy informatics, energy meteorology and geo-information systems, energy economics and system design, energy process engineering and storage, grid planning and operation, grid stability and power converter technology as well as thermal energy technology. Around 450 scientists, employees and students develop solutions for the energy transition and generate around 40 million euros in revenue per year.

The Grid Control and Grid Dynamics group is a collaborative team comprising engineers, scientists, technical staff, and students dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of inverter-dominated power grids. Our focus includes investigating the stability and control mechanisms essential for these grids, conducting analyses and developing applications to enhance grid planning and operation, and exploring the integration of inverter-based units into existing grid infrastructures. Additionally, we create dynamic models of networks and units, engage in simulation and stability analysis, and perform Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA). We also innovate stabilizing methods and decision-support tools to assist system operators in maintaining grid reliability and performance. Together, we aim to contribute to the evolution of modern power systems through research and practical applications.

What you will do

Online DSA systems must analyze large numbers of contingencies using dynamic, time-domain simulations in the shortest time possible. To accomplish this, these simulations need to be massively parallelized. The objective of this thesis is to implement and evaluate different contingency parallelization approaches using our group's computational infrastructure. To this avail you will:

Define an information model for contingencies, for example, based on ENTSO-E's network code profiles
Design a suitable software architecture
Research, implement, optimize and document relevant algorithms
Perform tests on available simulation models
Evaluate and document the results

What you bring to the table

You are close to completing a master's in electrical engineering, computer science or a comparable subject
You have extensive knowledge of at least one programming language
You understand the structure and operation of electrical power systems
You have excellent command of the English language
Ideally, you have experience with version control (e.g., Git), concurrency and parallelism, inter-process communication, and containerization (e.g., Docker).

What you can expect

Insight into application-oriented research in the energy sector with direct relevance for industry and society
Access to expert networks in the energy industry and research
Commitment to the Diversity Charter - we actively promote diversity and inclusion in all areas
Option for further employment (e.g. as a research assistant or for a doctorate)
Flexible and individual adjustment of working hours to lecture and exam times as well as the option to work from home or in the modern institute building with New Work concept in a central location

As part of the Master's thesis, you will also have the opportunity to work as a research assistant for a suitable number of hours (40 to 80 hours). The position is initially limited to 12 months, although we are looking for a longer-term collaboration. Exceptions for a shorter term are basic operational reasons, the personal wish of the student or the end of the degree programme. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

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.

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 this job will answer you:

Dr. Claudio López (claudio.lopez@iee.fraunhofer.de)

Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE

www.iee.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 79949 Application Deadline: 06/30/2025

Job Segment: Research Assistant, Meteorologist, Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Research, Science, Engineering, Energy

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