Thesis "Innovative Facade-Integrated Ventilation Paths through Autorouting Using Python"

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, based in Freiburg, plays a leading international role in the field of renewable energy systems and technologies with its research and development work. Securing the livelihoods of current and future generations as well as preserving our natural environment drive our efforts. With our currently around 1,400 employees, we are shaping the transformation of energy supply through outstanding research results, successful projects with industrial partners, spin-offs, and global collaborations – towards the exclusive use of renewable energies.

For our group „Gebäudesystemtechnik“, we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a student thesis. 

One of our projects, funded by the European Commission, deals with modular renovation solutions for the building envelopes of the European building stock. The aim of our work package in the AEGIR project (aegirproject.eu) is to largely automate the planning of integrated ventilation ducts for a modular system for ventilated facade systems (VHF). For this purpose, we use 3D models of the components and buildings, as is common in building planning, and manually place the air ducts in Autodesk Revit. In the future, the planning process for the facade-integrated ductwork from the ventilation unit to the rooms to be ventilated and back should be similarly supported, as is already done today for the placement of electrical circuit boards. To achieve this, the technical rules that must be taken into account for air ducts, fire protection, statics, and thermal insulation need to be reformulated into mathematical conditions, which will then be translated into Python program code. Furthermore, the existing program code will be further developed. This code currently utilizes a combination of the A* routefinding algorithm and a genetic algorithm for route finding in the facade.

What you will do

• You are further developing a program implemented in Python that optimizes and partially automates the planning process of facade-integrated air ducts for minimal leakage and pressure losses.
• Part of the programming involves considering the technical rules that determine the position and routing of the ducts.
• By parameterizing a combination of the A* routing algorithm and the genetic algorithm, you evaluate which parameters are most suitable for the formulated application case. In doing so, you aim to reduce the necessary computation time while also adding further technical rules as constraints.
• Your tasks also include conducting literature research on the algorithms. In particular, the genetic algorithm can significantly reduce computation time but does not reliably lead to a unique solution.
• During your work, you document your thought process and results so that you can ultimately use them for your thesis. Part of this work also includes maintaining and organizing a repository in GitLab.

What you bring to the table

• You are studying Computer Science, Data Science, Software Design, or a comparable field.
• You have already gained some experience in implementing routing algorithms during your studies.
• Additionally, you possess fundamental knowledge in the area of software development.
• Furthermore, you have extensive prior knowledge in programming.
• Ideally, you are particularly proficient in programming Python code or at least one of the closely related programming languages.
• You value contributing to your team and achieving common goals through interdisciplinary and international collaboration.
• You plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality.
• You can independently and proactively plan upcoming work steps, set priorities, and have appropriate time management skills.
• You enjoy sharing your work results and can present them convincingly.
• You have good German language skills (at least B1) and have successfully demonstrated your good English skills (at least B2).

What you can expect

• Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
• Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
• Research mix: We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
• Supervision: You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for diversity.
• After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties, such as the hiking day.

In addition to the thesis, a contract is agreed for work as a research assistant. Renumeration is based on the level of university degree.

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. 

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

For questions about this position, please contact:

Sven Auerswald
Tel.-Nr: +49 (0)761 4588 5901

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE 

www.ise.fraunhofer.de 

Requisition Number: 78108                Application Deadline: