Internship | Development distributed economic MPC for energy management

Internship Opportunity: Development of Distributed Economic MPC for Energy Management

About this position

TNO has developed an energy management strategy called Modular Energy Management Strategy (MEMS) which is based on optimal control and distributed optimization using dual decomposition. This development is for a large part based on the work of Romijn, where powertrain topologies are represented as power nets, with a distinction made between energy storage devices and energy converters, which are connected to each other via nodes.

What will be your role?

However, this approach using optimal control has its limits, because to guarantee optimality the whole power demand cycle needs to be known a priori and constraints can only be defined as start and endpoint constraints. Romijn proposes an alternative approach to solve the energy management problem by using a model predictive control (MPC) framework instead of an optimal control framework. This approach would only require a limited receding horizon to be known, which is assumed to be extracted from preview information (Route information, ADAS, etc.). Also, the MPC framework allows for explicitly dealing with instantaneous constraints.

The objective is to convert the existing MEMS energy management strategy, which is based on optimal control, to a MPC based framework. To show a proof of concept for a given use case powertrain configuration, and to compare the performance (e.g. in terms of optimality, robustness, complexity, computational load) with the original framework.

What we expect from you

For this MSc project, the following activities are foreseen:

• Literature study on energy management, distributed optimization and model predictive control.
• Familiarize yourself with current MEMS implementation.
• Specify use case scenario and performance criteria.
• Convert MEMS to an MPC based framework.
• Implement MPC based framework for a use case scenario.
• Compare performance between optimal control and MPC based distributed energy management in use case scenario.
• Write MSc thesis and present main findings.

What you'll get in return

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

Contact for more information

E-mailadres: subhajeet.rath@tno.nl