Data Analytics and Optimization for Energy Applications Lab

Thesis Abroad Opportunity

Topic: Development of machine-learning based methodologies for monitoring and

minimization of HVAC consumption in an IoT based building management system
Schedule: December 2017-March 2018 at Polimi’s DataOptimaLab, April 2018-June 2018 at
Collaborative Intelligent Infrastructure (CI2) lab of FSU, Graduation session: July/Sept. 2018
Description: The proposed topic is planned to be conducted as a thesis with reviewer (tesi con
controrelatore) and is focused on utilizing an Internet of Things (IoT) based Building
Management System in order to monitor, predict, and reduce the HVAC consumption of
commercial buildings. The latter is conducted through analysing the data obtained from various
sensors installed in different thermal zones of the building and the monitoring sensors of the
HVAC unit. Feature selection step is next carried out and an optimized combination of several
machine-learning algorithms is then employed in order to predict the HVAC consumption of
the building utilising the determined influential input features.
Context: The proposed project is planned to benefit from Polimi DataOptima Lab’s expertise
in physical/data-driven simulation and optimization of energy systems and FSU CI2 Lab’s
expertise in sensor data analysis and IoT implementation
Implementation Framework: Considering the collaboration between FSU’s CI2 Lab and
IBM, IBM’s Bluemix and Watson are used as development and implementation frameworks.
Requirements:
 Considering the multi-disciplinary nature of the topic, the candidates can be student of
M.Sc. programmes of Energy Eng., Mechanical Eng., Electrical Eng. or Computer Eng.
 Being registered to M.Sc. course from the year 2015/2016 onwards, having passed at least
48 Credits with the weighted average of at least 26/30.
 Proficiency in a programming languages (Python (preferred), MATLAB, R) is required and
knowledge of Data Analysis and Machine-learning modules is highly appreciated.
 Familiarity or previous experience with IoT implementation is a plus.
Thesis supervision: Polimi - Advisor: Dr. Behzad Najafi, Co-advisor: Prof. Fabio Rinaldi
FSU - advisor: Prof. Reza Arghandeh
Financial Aid: The candidate can apply for Polimi’s thesis abroad call (bando tesi all’estero)
which provides the aid of 2500 € for 3 months. Furthermore, based on applicant’s credentials,
financial aid from FSU (500 $ to 1000 $ a month) might be available but is not guaranteed.
How to apply: send an email to behzad.najafi@polimi.it expressing your interest in the topic
and attaching your CV and the list of courses you have passed (with grades).
Important Note: Considering the imminent deadline of thesis abroad call (Nov 7th), candidates
who are interested to apply for this call, are advised to express their interest as soon as possible.
About the host advisor: Dr. Reza Arghandeh is the director of CI2 Lab. He is an assistant professor in
the Electrical and Computer Department, Center for Advanced Power Systems, Florida State University.
He was a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, EECS Dept 2013-2015. He
completed his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems at Virginia Tech.
He holds Master’s degrees in Industrial and System Engineering from Virginia Tech and in Energy
Systems from the University of Manchester.