Master Internship

ContextAchieving thermal comfort in homes is both essential for occupant well-being and one ofthe major contributors to residential energy consumption. In recent years, heat pumps havebecome increasingly common in residential buildings due to their improved energy efficiencyand reduced climate change impact. They are primarily used for space heating and domestichot water production. The performance of a heat pump is mainly determined by two keyfactors: its energy consumption and the level of comfort it provides to users.As part of the broader energy transition, BDR Thermea, a leading manufacturer of heatpumps, aims to enhance the control systems of its products to achieve an optimal balancebetween energy efficiency and user comfort. Recent advances in control theory and artificialintelligence (AI) offer promising new opportunities in this field, which BDR Thermea seeksto explore.To pursue this goal, BDR Thermea has established a collaboration with the CRAN, LORIA,and LRGP laboratories. This partnership has been selected for funding by the FrenchAgency for Ecological Transition (ADEME) as part of the France 2030 initiative.The main challenge of this project is to develop an estimator of the water inflow and outflowin the storage tank, in order to learn and anticipate users’ consumption habits and to heatthe water accordingly.Conseils : faites une présentation rapide du poste, expliquez les critères de réussite pour ce poste, ainsi que son rôle global au sein de l’organisation.DescriptionA mathematical model of the heat pump system is already available. This model featuresswitching dynamics, capturing the complex interactions between system components underdifferent operating modes. Controlling such systems presents significant challenges, particularlywhen the goal is to adapt operation to diverse user profiles and varying environmentalconditions.To ensure user comfort, the heat pump is assisted by an auxiliary heating system. Thissetup adds another layer of complexity to the control design, as it requires appropriatecontrol allocation between multiple energy sources. Integrating recent advances in controltheory and estimation techniques offers new opportunities to enhance the system’s efficiency,adaptability, and overall performance under real-world conditions.ObjectivesThe objectives of this internship in control engineering are listed next.• Identify the parameters of the existing model and validate it using experimental data.• Design an observer capable of estimating the temperature of different layers of waterin the tank as well as the in and out flow of water using only a limited number oftemperature sensors.Job profileThis is a M.Sc. internship for students in control theory. Matlab skills are desirable. Aknowledge of Thermodynamics is a plus. The candidate should be able to work independentlyand as part of a team, and should have good communication skills in English (French is aplus). The candidate should be scientifically curious and motivated.Duration6 months, starting with February-March 2026.Salaryaround 600 €/month