Master thesis: Determining Site Conditions for Bifacial Photovoltaic Power Plants from Satellite Data

Almeria

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)

Master thesis: Determining Site Conditions for Bifacial Photovoltaic Power Plants from Satellite Data

Your mission:

Accurate information on site conditions, such as solar radiation and ground reflectance, is required throughout the life cycle of a solar project. This data enables optimal design, evaluation and performance of solar power plants. Satellite-based, partially modelled data and ground-based measurements of varying quality are commonly used data sources.

The focus of this work is on bifacial photovoltaics (PV), a technology that also converts the irradiance received on the back of the module into electricity, especially when combined with sun-tracking systems. For this purpose, improved site data is crucial. The aim of this research is to use high resolution satellite data (30 cm) to determine these parameters with high accuracy and low cost.

Your tasks will be:

• You will apply machine learning to analyze satellite images and retrieve the spatial distribution of ground conditions (including ground reflectance) at existing power plants and potential sites.
• You will develop a dedicated machine-learning model and an innovative training procedure which reduces the need for manually labeled reference data.
• You will analyze your results and optionally evaluate the practical benefits of your findings in solar energy applications.
• You will implement state-of-the-art methods to receive ground properties from satellite data and compare your method to these prior ones.
• You will collect and prepare satellite data for training and testing your models.
• Contribute to the labelling of reference data.
• Summarize your methodology, experiments and results in a well-structured Master's thesis.

We've got a great offer for you:

• A collaborative, diverse, and motivated team committed to building a sustainable future.
• Opportunities to work closely with colleagues and tutors, exchanging ideas and solving challenges.
• Hands-on experience in machine learning, software development, automatic testing and version control.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in image processing, computer vision and machine learning.
• A chance to contribute to climate change mitigation and advance renewable energy solutions.
• A position based in Almería, Spain, a sunny city on the Mediterranean coast.

Your qualification:

• You have a good academic record in a Master's/Diploma program in the fields of geoscience, energy technology, engineering, physics, or similar.
• First experiences in Python and basic knowledge about machine learning.
• Basic knowledge in the field of satellite imaging or remote sensing would be appreciated but not necessary
• The ability to work independently and collaborate in an international team.
• Confident in speaking and writing English.
• Prior experience or interest in data analysis, computer vision, software versioning systems, photovoltaics, solar energy or solar radiation is an advantage.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity for you, please contact us! Dr. Niklas Blum (niklas.blum@dlr.de + 49 2203 6014 478). Please enclose supporting documents for the above points with your application.