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Between technology and economics: new professor at ECRI

Between technology and economics: new professor models energy systems and smart buildings

21.10.2020 | THD-Pressestelle

Dr Matthias Huber has been appointed new professor at the European Campus Rottal-Inn (ECRI) in Pfarrkirchen for the winter semester 2020/2021. He will take over the teaching area “Computer Science and Modelling/Energy Systems and Intelligent Buildings”. And he has even more plans. He would like to create a Living Lab for intelligent energy systems in the soon to be newly constructed buildings in Pfarrkirchen, where researchers from science and practice can come together.

Research at the interface between technology and economics with a focus on mathematical modelling, simulation and optimisation is Matthias Huber’s specialty. It all began for him with a double degree in mechanical engineering/energy technology at the Technical University of Munich and economics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich. After a short detour as management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, he also completed his doctorate in the field of energy system optimisation at the TU Munich. He explains his research activities as follows: “We use mathematical models to represent reality. This is possible for both (energy) technical and economic systems. The mathematical models enable simulation and optimisation procedures”. In addition, new methods of machine learning, i.e. artificial intelligence, play an increasingly important role. This approach is relevant, for example, in the field of renewable energies, both to plan the installed capacities first and to optimise operation. After a phase at the Ifo Institute in Munich, Matthias Huber moved to Siemens AG, where he worked in central research for energy systems.

With the goal of a Living Lab in Pfarrkirchen, Matthias Huber is taking up his area of expertise 100 percent. If he has his way, an intelligent energy system, including a local energy market, is to be created in which both the campus as a smart building and local operators of photovoltaic or combined heat and power plants could participate. The design of such market places is an exciting field of research, he says. He also finds the interface of energy issues with other sectors such as buildings, innovative transport concepts and the importance of energy in agriculture, including new ideas such as vertical farming, interesting.

He is very much looking forward to his time at the European Campus. As a professor, he sees his success in inspiring and educating young people to such an extent that they can successfully go through their professional lives themselves. The native Bavarian is also looking forward to the international environment. Even during his doctorate, he was already travelling internationally in Singapore, Austin and Stanford.

Today, the father of three children prefers to spend his free time outdoors in nature. Hiking, cycling and skiing are among his hobbies. In the evenings he likes to play a round of Schafkopf or let the day come to an end in the beer garden.

Bild (ECRI / DIT): Mathematical models do not cause him any headaches. Matthias Huber is the new professor at the European Campus Rottal-Inn.