[Oppslist] Postdoc in Solar Meteorology: Intermittency Analysis and Forecasting

[Jan Kleissl]

The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of
California, San Diego, is seeking one highly qualified scientist as
postdoctoral researcher starting immediately. The position is part of a
Department of Energy (DOE) funded project to study solar energy
intermittency and its mitigation, and solar energy forecasting. The goal is
to ensure a smooth integration of high penetration of solar photovoltaic
(PV) systems into the electric grid. For overview information about the
Kleissl lab see http://maeresearch.ucsd.edu/kleissl. 

The postdoctoral fellow will conduct analysis of data from a unique solar
resource observatory at UC San Diego including 1 sec global horizontal
incident solar irradiance (GHI) at 8 sites, a total sky imager collecting
sky imagery every 30 seconds, and 1 MW of PV systems. In the first year, the
project focuses on statistical analysis of variability recorded by these
sensing systems such as ramp rate distributions, wavelets, and spectral
analysis. In the second year (pending satisfactory performance and
availability of funding), forecasts of PV output will be conducted to inform
charge and discharge algorithms for energy storage systems tied to the 1 MV
of PV cells.

Strong programming skills (preferably MATLAB) and previous experience in
time series analysis are required. Experience with radiative transfer
models, satellite remote sensing, operational weather models, or solar
resource analysis and meteorological measurements would be beneficial.
Applicants should hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline (atmospheric
science, meteorology, environmental, or mechanical engineering), or have
submitted their thesis at the time of appointment. If funding is available,
a possibility of extension exists.
To apply, please submit a short description of qualifications, CV including
list of publications, and list of three referees by April 15 2010 to
jkleissl at ucsd.edu subject 'Postdoc'. Further information about the positions
can be obtained from Professor Jan Kleissl, jkleissl at ucsd.edu.