Functieomschrijving
Project context, overview & assignment
Operational energy flexibility is the ability of energy systems to adjust consumption and production based on signals like price changes or grid demands. In Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS), this flexibility is optimized for energy use, reducing costs, and supporting grid stability. Integrating support for various devices, such as heat pumps using the S2 protocol, enables HEMS to maximize efficiency and sustainability.
The objective of the KIFLIN project is to enhance the open source LF Energy FlexMeasures platform to be the one-stop solution for anyone who want an interoperable HEMS for all relevant use-cases. This initiative aims to create an operational HEMS with full (i.e., meaning all control types) interoperable support for various device types, including heat pumps, over the S2 protocol.
The available budget for the assignment is firm fixed with a maximum of 70 k€. The required work is an estimated 1000 hrs of software engineering effort which needs to be spread over the duration of the KIFLIN project (Oct 2024 - June 2025, possibly extended depending on approval of the funding authorities).
Role overview, what do we require of you?
As a software engineer, you will contribute to the development and implementation of the open source FlexMeasures as a platform for robust HEMS solutions. Your work will involve integrating a fully S2-compliant protocol adaptor for various energy assets into the FlexMeasures platform. You will develop a flexible scheduler by incorporating the algorithms of TNO’s previously developed ReFlex Engine and ensure the platform supports a wide range of energy optimization scenarios. The role requires close collaboration with TNO and the KIFLIN project market partners, focusing on enhancing the modularity, efficiency, and scalability of the FlexMeasures platform.
You work closely with TNO researchers and industrial partner engineers to align on project goals and deliverables. Your key responsibilities are:
- Development & Integration: Implement full S2 protocol support for various energy assets within the FlexMeasures platform.
- HEMS Scheduler Design: Develop and integrate a new scheduling algorithm for HEMS, utilizing existing functionalities from the Horizon 2020 InterFlex project.
- Documentation & Testing: Create comprehensive documentation and automated tests to ensure the system's reliability and scalability.
Wat wordt er van jou gevraagd?
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Python and Java.
- Proficiency in collaborative software development methods and way of working (e.g., working on GitLab with a team of developers).
- Experience with open-source software development and tools such as Git and AsyncAPI.
- Experience with designing software architecture (e.g., micro-services architectures and containerization).
- Experience with dynamic programming algorithms.
- Familiarity with energy management systems (EMS), specifically HEMS, and energy asset optimization algorithms.
- Familiarity with the S2 protocol - European Standard S2 (EN 50491-12-2)
- Familiarity with the FlexMeasures codebase is considered an advantage.
- Domain Expertise: Proven background in energy flexibility and energy optimization algorithm development.
- Strong problem-solving abilities, a collaborative mindset, and the capacity to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
