Accurate solar radiation data are required in all phases of a solar project to enable the planning, optimization and operation of a solar power plant. Ground-based measurements of various solar radiation components and at times also of albedo are used for the monitoring of utility scale solar plants. Especially when using the still relatively new technology of bifacial photovoltaics (PV) some questions arise as to which measurement setups are sufficiently accurate for monitoring a solar power plant. In particular the following questions are to be addressed in the master's thesis: Which measurement methods and setups are most suitable? How many measuring locations are required per MW or km²? The following works are envisaged for this purpose: you will evaluate the data from a measurement network of global, direct and diffuse solar irradiance at the Plataforma Solar de Almería of our Spanish partner CIEMAT you will analyze satellite images possibly supported by machine learning to determine common distributions of ground albedo in PV power plants you will define possible measurement setups for bifacial PV power plants based on IEC -1 you will derive relevant parameters (e.g. irradiance in the plane of the PV array) based on the measured variables (e.g. global horizontal radiation) for each measurement setup you will determine and/or simulate the uncertainties that occur for each measurement setup you will evaluate the extent to which such uncertainties affect the various applications. In particular, the influence of temporal and spatial averaging effects will be investigated and a tradeoff between the number of instruments, the accuracy and investment and operation costs should be derived The work location is at our southern Spanish site in Almería. Our diverse team of around colleagues awaits you here. you can demonstrate good academic performance in a Master's/Diploma program in the fields of energy technology, engineering, physics, or similar.you can demonstrate first programming knowledge, especially Python and pandas or you have a strong motivation to familiarize yourself with ityou are used to work in a structured and independent way and are able to communicate your questions and resultsyou have good English language skills in speaking and writing, as you will study scientific literature and communicate with institute membersif you have initial experience in data analysis, software versioning systems (e.g. git) or machine learning, this will be advantageousif you bring knowledge in the fields of photovoltaics, solar energy or solar radiation this will be advantageousif possible, please enclose suitable supporting documents for the above points with your application Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalleled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Our human resources policy places great value on a healthy family and work-life-balance as well as equal opportunities for persons of all genders (f/m/x). Individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the event their qualifications are equivalent to those of other candidates.
