Bachelor Thesis: Scenario-Based Comparison of Heat Source Combinations for a Given Load Profile

AEE INTEC

AEE – Institute for Sustainable Technologies (AEE INTEC) is a non-university research institute founded in 1988. AEE INTEC currently employs around 90 people from more than fifteen nations and continuously awards dissertations, master’s theses and internships. AEE INTEC works in the fields of „Buildings“, „Cities and Networks“, „Technology Development“ and „Industrial Systems“ on fundamental and application-oriented research in national and international R&D projects in cooperation with universities, colleges, other research institutions and industry.

Research Project

Within the ENABLE DHC project, strategic decisions about integrating Renewable Energy Sources (RES) into district heating systems are key. Task T3.1 focuses on supporting municipalities with practical investment and planning tools. An important sub-task is to compare different heat source combinations (e.g., heat pumps, biomass, solar thermal) based on predefined demands to support early-phase decision-making.

Outline of the Bachelor Thesis

The objective of this thesis is to compare predefined RES supply strategies for a given load profile and assess their implications on cost and performance. The student will:

• Use an existing demand profile and heat supply data from ENABLE DHC,
• Set up simple Excel- or Python-based scenarios with 2–3 heat source mixes,
• Calculate expected energy contributions, cost ratios (investment and OPEX), and potential CO₂ savings using literature values and assumptions,
• Present results in a scenario comparison matrix useful for stakeholder evaluation.

This work supports the development of simplified Multi-Criteria Decision-Making tools in the ENABLE DHC toolbox.

We expect…

• Interest renewable heat technologies and energy system evaluation
• Good command of Excel
• Familiarity with Python is considered an asset
• A careful and structured working style
• Background in mechanical engineering, energy engineering, or a related field

We offer…

• Paid Bachelor thesis, embedded in a current European research project
• Intensive support from experienced researchers in the field of thermal energy technologies
• Planned duration: 3 months, Start: from now on, Place of realization: Gleisdorf, Austria

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