Heidi Nielsen
In academia, the exchange of ideas and interdisciplinary collaboration is paramount. I believe in the power of collaboration to generate innovative solutions within our respective fields. Working with NCCR Automation offers a unique opportunity to collaborate across specialties, aligning perfectly with my focus on sustainable energy systems. Through my Master's thesis, I aim to expand my professional network and develop my profile in this dynamic field
My name is Heidi, and I am a 25 year old student from Denmark. I have a natural interst for understanding systems and connections. Raised in an environment where practical application held precedence over mere theoretical discourse, I developed an innate curiosity for unraveling the inner workings of the world around me. It was never a part of my childhood that I would seek a career in the academic world but nevertheless here I am.
My academic journey commenced at Aarhus University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Building Science and Technology in the summer of 2022. While my coursework encompassed various facets of civil engineering, it was the exploration of sustainable energy systems meeting the needs of the occupants and thermal comfort that truly captivated my interest. Sustainable energy extends beyond the mere production of energy; it lies equally in the efficient utilization of that energy within our built environments while ensuring a comfortable space.
A previous teacher once told me to surround me with people smarter than me in the topics that I want to learn. Combined with a natural curiosity this philosophy propelled me towards seeking out the guidance of esteemed scholars and mentors, shaping my academic journey into one characterized by continual growth and learning. I find it extremely motivating to be amongst people deep in research and how they seek to understand the world around us, while also digging into details.
Currently, I am immersed in the final stage of my Master's program with the development of my Master´s thesis. The preoject is a collaborative endeavor between Empa in Switzerland and Aarhus University in Denmark. Under the expert supervision of Philipp Heer, Hanmin Cai, Massimo Fiorentini, and Michael Dahl Knudsen, I am delving into the realm of room temperature control enhancement through the utilization of state-of-charge indication of thermal mass.
My research endeavors to evaluate the efficacy of incorporating additional floor temperature measurements as a means of substituting thermal power measurements in distinct zones. Leveraging Empa's NEST building as a veritable treasure trove of empirical data, I aim to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of this alternative sensing concept. Through comparative analysis and the application of advanced modeling techniques such as Signal Matrix Model Predictive Control (SMMPC), my research seeks to provide invaluable insights into sensing technologies for the built environment.
By contributing to the body of knowledge surrounding data-driven control systems, my research will potentially help to pave the way for more efficient and sustainable building management practices. It is my hope that this endeavor will not only enrich academic discourse but also find practical application in the real world, thus propelling us closer towards a more sustainable future.
