Internship | Development distributed economic MPC for energy management

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 [1], where powertrain topologies are represented as power nets, were a distinction is made between energy storage devices and energy converters, which are connected to each other via nodes.

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 in [1] does however propose an alternative approach to solve the energy management problem by using an 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,…). Also the MPC framework allows for explicitly dealing with instantaneous constraints.

References
[1] Romijn, T. C. J. (2017). A distributed optimization approach to complete vehicle energy management. [Phd Thesis 1 (Research TU/e / Graduation TU/e), Electrical Engineering]. Technische Universiteit Eindhoven.

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.

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.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• 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).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

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After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.