Master thesis: Deep Learning for Cloud Detection and Classification in Solar Irradiance Forecasting

Master thesis: Deep Learning for Cloud Detection and Classification in Solar Irradiance Forecasting

Your mission:

Knowledge of cloud cover and its prediction is essential for solar energy and optical satellite communications applications. The Institute of Solar Research is at the forefront of the development of short-term cloud cover forecasts. Automatic cloud detection and classification using high-resolution sky images are critical steps in the generation of these forecasts. The use of deep learning in computer vision has significantly advanced in this area, but challenges remain, particularly in multi-layer cloud conditions and at night.

Your tasks will be:

• Conduct a literature review on image and video segmentation/classification, data augmentation, synthetic image generation and for learning from limited annotated data.
• Develop a deep learning-based machine learning model for cloud detection and classification and design an innovative training procedure to minimize the need for manually labelled reference data, possibly using semi-supervised learning or synthetic data generation techniques.
• Train your models to detect and classify clouds during both day and night, addressing unique challenges such as the use of infrared or thermal imagery at night.
• Benchmark your models against existing cloud detection techniques and analyze their performance.
• Contribute to the labelling of reference data.
• Summarize your methodology, experiments and results in a well-structured Master's thesis.

We've got a great offer for you:

• A collaborative, diverse, and motivated team committed to building a sustainable future.
• Opportunities to work closely with colleagues and tutors, exchanging ideas and solving challenges.
• Hands-on experience in machine learning, software development, automatic testing and version control.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies in image processing, computer vision and machine learning.
• A chance to contribute to climate change mitigation and advance renewable energy solutions.
• A position based in Almería, Spain, a sunny city on the Mediterranean coast.

Your qualification:

• You have a good academic record in a Master's/Diploma program in the fields of in computer science, physics, engineering or similar.
• Experience in Python and basic knowledge about machine learning.
• The ability to work independently and collaborate in an international team.
• Confident in speaking and writing English.
• Prior experience or interest in data analysis, computer vision, and software versioning systems is an advantage.

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity for you, please contact us! Dr. Bijan Nouri (Bijan.nouri@dlr.de + 49 2203 6014 160). Please enclose supporting documents for the above points with your application.