Big Data and AI for the Digitalization of Renewable Energy Systems
Learn how Big Data and Artificial Intelligence enable monitoring, forecasting, optimization, and intelligent control in solar, wind, and hybrid energy systems—supported by work with a real Renewable Energy Systems laboratory and on-site visits.
Dates
Online: 30.03 – 03.04.2026
Onsite: 06.04 – 10.04.2026
ECTS:3 Credits
Language: English
Host: University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, Ruse, Bulgaria
BIP ID: 2025-1-BG01-KA131-HED-000321310-2
Objectives
- Introduce modern IT for energy management in RES-based systems using Big Data and AI.
- Develop practical skills for digitalization: data acquisition, monitoring, and intelligent control.
- Apply AI for forecasting, optimization, predictive maintenance, and decision support.
- Foster sustainability awareness and innovation through real-world case studies.
Hands-on learning environment
Work with a real RES educational and research environment (e.g., solar park, wind turbines, thermal cameras, solar climate chamber, IoT devices) and participate in visits to PV parks and the RES educational center.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge & understanding
- Explain key Big Data and AI concepts for renewable energy digitalization.
- Understand the main challenges of integrating RES into energy systems.
- Recognize digital transformation pathways in the energy sector.
Practical skills
- Collect, preprocess, and visualize real-world renewable energy datasets.
- Use ML/AI models (e.g., forecasting, classification) for energy analysis.
- Operate selected digital tools/simulation platforms/programming environments.
- Develop prototype solutions or analytical reports in teams and present results clearly.
Transferable skills
Improve teamwork in multicultural settings, strengthen problem-solving and creativity, and build awareness of how digital tools support the EU energy transition and climate goals.
Organizer
The organizer of the BIP is the University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” in Ruse, Bulgaria.
The University of Ruse Angel Kanchev is a leading public higher education institution in northeastern Bulgaria, known for its strong focus on engineering, computer sciences, economics, education, and applied research. Established in 1945 and located in the city of Ruse on the Danube River, the university combines long-standing academic traditions with modern educational approaches, offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.
Partners
So far, students from multiple countries have signed up for this BIP.
Croatia
Hungary
….
Romania
…
…
Format
Virtual component (before the mobility)
- Introducing Bulgaria and the University of Ruse
- Travel & accommodation briefing
- Online lectures by organizers and incoming staff
Dates: 30.03.2026 – 03.04.2026
Physical exchange (onsite)
- Lectures & seminars, workshops, and case studies
- Visits to a RES educational center and PV parks
- Collaborative group projects, research & presentations
Dates: 06.04.2026 – 10.04.2026
Practical Information
Costs & funding
- Lectures and seminars
- Workshops
- Case studies
- Collaborative group projects
- Research and presentations
- Educational visits (RES center, PV parks)
What to bring
- A laptop capable of running Python code
- Basic programming knowledge; curiosity and teamwork
- Optional: your own dataset ideas or research questions
Guidance for incoming Erasmus students
Getting to Bulgaria
- International travel is usually via Sofia Airport (SOF).
- Alternative nearby airports include Bucharest (OTP), Romania.
- Both airports are well connected to major European cities.
From the airport to Ruse
- From Sofia: direct bus or train to Ruse (≈ 5–6 hours).
- From Bucharest: bus, train, or car via the Danube Bridge (≈ … hours).
- Taxis and shuttle services are available but should be arranged in advance.
Local transport in Ruse
- Ruse is a compact city – most locations are reachable on foot.
- Public buses and taxis are affordable and easy to use.
- University buildings are well-connected to the city center.
- The student dormitory is located right next to the campus.
Accommodation & arrival support
- Accommodation details should be arranged in advance by the participants themselves.
- Options typically include university dormitories or nearby hotels.
- Organizers will provide practical arrival instructions before the physical exchange.