Internship | AI-driven Digital Twin for Smart Energy Management in Charging Energy Hubs

The shift to zero-emission, sustainable transportation depends on efficient charging infrastructure that seamlessly integrates renewable energy sources. At TNO Powertrains, we develop charging energy hub technologies to support the growing need for sustainable charging infrastructure. In this internship, you will help create a digital twin of a charging energy hub that analyzes real-time energy flows, predicts demand, and optimizes power distribution using AI/ML techniques. Your work will contribute to smarter, data-driven energy management, ensuring that charging hubs operate efficiently, reduce grid strain, and accelerate the transition to clean mobility solutions.

As an intern, you will develop a digital twin of a charging energy hub, focusing on data collection, modeling, and AI/ML-driven prediction. You will analyze key operational factors such as traffic patterns, grid power fluctuations, and energy storage behavior (batteries, solar, wind). Your work will involve identifying the data requirements for an accurate model, implementing machine learning models to forecast energy demand, and optimizing energy distribution strategies. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of charging infrastructure by providing data-driven insights for improved energy management.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary research team dedicated to advancing sustainable transportation solutions. Collaborating with experts in the field, you will gain hands-on experience in applied research and contribute to innovations in smart energy hubs. You will also have the opportunity to interact with industry partners and explore real-world applications of AI in the energy sector.

You are a proactive and analytical thinker with a strong interest in AI-driven energy management and sustainable mobility. You enjoy working with data, simulations, and predictive modeling to solve real-world challenges. You are eager to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and contribute innovative ideas to enhance charging infrastructure and energy efficiency. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate technical insights effectively are essential.

• You are a master student in a relevant field, for example AI, data science, energy systems or related field.
• Experience in AI/ML model development.
• Proficiency in Python or Matlab.
• Knowledge of energy systems.
• Experience with data collection, analysis and predictive modelling.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• • Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.