PhD - AI-Driven Optimization for HVAC Systems Using Knowledge Graphs, LLMs and Neuro-Symbolic AI

Job Description

Buildings account for about 30% of global energy consumption, with a significant portion used for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to ensure the thermal comfort of occupants.

Most HVAC systems are controlled by rule-based methods, which often lack the dynamic flexibility needed for energy-efficient operation.

To address this, Model Predictive Control (MPC) has emerged as a promising alternative but requires detailed system models that are labor-intensive to develop for each unique building.

This PhD project aims to develop methods to automate and assist in the creation of optimization tools for HVAC systems in commercial as well as industrial buildings.

The focus will be on integrating AI methods such as neural networks, generative AI and neuro-symbolic AI to enhance the efficiency of HVAC systems while ensuring occupant comfort.

The focus lies on the conseption of tools for the semi-automatic creation of models for the optimization of HVAC systems by encoding expert knowledge into symbolic representations, which capture all relevant data points and their relationships.

These data points are identified from various sources such as free-text descriptions, datapoint lists and system codes. This information is then structured into knowledge graphs or code snippets for further processing.

To enable semantic understanding of the system, AI methods - including large language models (LLMs), large multi-model models (LMMs) and neuro-symbolic AI - will be evaluated for their ability to interpret natural language inputs and reason using knowledge extracted from these graphs.

The resulting knowledge graph will represent the building's subsystem, making it accessible for optimization algorithms and decision models aimed at improving HVAC performance.

• Become a part of our team and conduct pioneering research on AI-driven methods for optimizing HVAC systems using a combination of large language models, large multi-modal-models, knowledge graphs and neuro-symbolic AI approaches.
• You develop tools that support the semi-automated creation of optimization models using unstructured input data (csv-files, time-series-data, P&I-Ds, etc.

as well as expert knowledge.

• The integration of AI techniques to automatically identify and map relevant data points for HVAC system control, utilizing generative AI as well as knowledge graph technology for data extraction and reasoning is also part of your work.
• Furthermore, you implement neuro-symbolic AI approaches that combine the strengths of neural networks as well as symbolic reasoning to improve system optimization and decision-making.
• Also, you collaborate with domain experts in AI and building automation to ensure the solutions address real-world challenges in commercial as well as industrial settings.
• You will publish your research in leading academic journals and present your findings at top-tier international conferences.
• Finally, you ensure that your research contributes to the development of more energy-efficient and intelligent building technology systems.

Qualifications

• Education : outstanding Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a related field, with a focus on AI, Machine Learning or Optimization
• Experience and Knowledge : in large language models (LLMs), graph technologies, machine learning frameworks and optimization techniques;

familiarity with HVAC systems or building automation is beneficial; strong programming skills, particularly in Python; Experience with symbolic AI, neuro-symbolic approaches and knowledge in graph development is highly desirable

• Personality and Working Practice : you are innovative, self-driven and thrive in an interdisciplinary, international environment
• Languages : fluent in English (written and spoken); German is a plus

Additional Information

What we offer :

• Join a cutting-edge research team focused on applying advanced AI methods, such as LLMs, knowledge graphs and neuro-symbolic AI, to real-world challenges in building automation
• Opportunities to publish as well as present your research at prestigious conferences and journals
• Access to Bosch’s top-tier research facilities and a strong network of AI as well as building automation experts
• A collaborative and international working environment with exciting career development opportunities

Please submit all relevant documents (incl. curriculum vitae, certificates).

Diversity and inclusion are not just trends for us but are firmly anchored in our corporate culture. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of gender, age, disability, religion, ethnic origin or sexual identity.

Need support during your application?

Sarah Schneck (Human Resources)

49(711)811-43338

Need further information about the job?

Felix Kosack (Functional Department)

49(711)365-32345

LI-DNI