Master Thesis - Multi-objective Optimization of Power Train Components in Non-Road Mobile Machinery

Your Job:

The focus of this Master Thesis is the development of an optimization to minimize energy consumption in an existing model of non-road mobile machinery (NRMM). Optimization opportunities will be explored for various powertrain configurations, including conventional internal combustion engines, battery electric, and fuel cell-electric power trains. By optimizing modeling subsystems such as NRMM working profiles, battery control systems, hydraulic systems, energy management systems, and transmission models, this thesis aims to deliver efficiency improvements across different machine types. Your tasks will encompass the following areas:

• Getting acquainted with NRMM conventional and alternative powertrain components, operating profiles and explore their interactions under various operating conditions
  
• Design and implement optimization algorithms to improve the performance of the engine, battery, fuel cell, transmission, and hydraulic systems, considering constraints such as component sizing and operating profiles
  
• Design optimization cost functions to minimize energy consumption and overall costs, taking into account market trends of component costs
  
• Explore refueling and charging infrastructure options to best accommodate the NRMM operating profiles
  
• Conduct scenario-based simulations to ensure the reliability and runtime efficiency of the optimization tool
  
• Expand the existing ICE-2 model by integrating the new concept to identify the most cost-effective and energy-efficient NRMM strategies
  

Your Profile:

• Very good academic record and currently enrolled in a Master’s program in engineering (energy technology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering) or a related field of study
  
• Interest in topics and issues related to transportation or energy
  
• Experience in modelling and programming (especially in Python) is advantageous
  
• Ability to work independently and analytically as part of a project team
  
• Very good knowledge of written and spoken English and German
  

Our Offer:

We work on highly relevant innovative topics and offer you the possibility to actively shape the change. We support you with:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• An interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
  
• Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  
• The possibility of (location-) flexible working, e.g. home office for 2-3 days per week
  
• Forschungszentrum Jülich located close to the interface between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany and with strong links to the ABCD Region (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf) which is one of the leading high-tech regions in Europe
  

The position is initially for a fixed term of 6 months.

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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.