Eindhoven University of Technology has a vacancy for a PhD: High-dynamic Superconducting Motor

PhD student to analyze, design, build and test a superconducting linear motor for high-dynamic servo applications in a multi-disciplinary team.
The research will be conducted within the Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) group, Department of Electrical Engineering, in close cooperation with Twente University and industrial partners in the Netherlands.

Research challenge
Linear machines are the main building blocks for positioning stages in the semi-conductor industry. They enable high accelerations (in the order of 50-200m/s2) and are pushed to their physical limits to maximize the productivity of the applications. In order make a significant step in acceleration levels (fivefold increase with respect to the current state-of-art), breakthroughs in linear motor technology are required and the application of superconductive materials is envisaged as a technology that could enable these unprecedented levels of acceleration. The high dynamics of the application and the consequent AC losses and stresses in the superconductors make this a very challenging task. The goal of the project is to model, analyze, design, construct and test a fully operational superconducting linear motor. This task is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of PhD candidates, postdocs and technicians in two universities with the industrial support of three companies. The main tasks of the PhD student in the EPE group are aimed towards the research of modelling of the AC behavior and quench phenomena in superconducting coils (AC and DC) and their electromagnetic interactions, dynamic performance prediction of the superconducting motor (linear movement) and its design, optimization, manufacturing and testing.

Electromechanics and Power Electronics group
The EPE-group research activities span all facets of electromechanics and power electronics, in particular: linear and rotary electrical machines, multi-level power converters, and their design tools. The EPE group has a strong interconnection with industry via direct, national and European funded projects in a variety of application areas like high-tech systems (semicon, robotics, medical) and sustainable energy (mobility, transport, smart grids). EPE owns a modern (opened in 2015) research laboratory (680m2) with additional workshop facilities and an electrical drive educational laboratory. The PhD student will join the group and collaborate intensely with the other members of the EPE group (around 50 researchers), where he/she will participate in a mix of academic and industrial research activities. Research within the EPE Group is characterized by personal supervision.

The aim of the PhD project is to research computational methods for accurate magnetic field and loss calculations under realistic, industrial operating conditions that are characterized by high dynamic performance, high power density and high efficiency. The method(s) of choice should be suitable for analysis of the phenomena typical for superconductive materials, but tailored to the specific physical conditions as found in linear machines. Apart from analyzing the physical phenomena the developed methods should additionally serve as the basis for a design tool for superconductive linear machines. The design tool will ultimately be used for the design of a prototype. Apart from the theoretical aspects, the candidate is also required to perform tests and practical experiments in the lab. These practical experiments include, amongst others, design of test set-ups, superconductive material characterization, verification of theoretical findings and realization of an operating prototype of the superconductive linear machine.

For the PhD position in this project, a candidate with a MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or Applied Physics, and Superconductivity will be selected and hired as a doctoral student in the Electromechanics and Power Electronics Group (https://www.tue.nl/epe) for a 4-year period. The candidate should have the following competences:

• Affinity and/or interest in (applied) superconductivity phenomena and superconducting materials.
•  Academic background in fundamentals of the electromechanical power conversion.
• Affinity with high-tech industrial mechatronics applications especially related to the cryogenic equipment.
• Experience in using MATLAB, Simulink and multi-physical FEM programs.
• A practical/experimental mindset.
• A team-player in a multi-partner and multi-disciplinary project environment.
• Strong analytical and research/mathematical capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to independently organize his/her own work, to solve problems, to achieve desirable goals and to cooperate.
• Project management skills are a plus.
• Ability to participate in the teaching process in BSc and MSc programs (both taught in English).
• Good scientific writing and documentation skills.
• Strong command of the English language (knowledge of Dutch/German language is a plus).

The candidate will closely cooperate with the other parties involved in this project. The CV must include a complete list of marks obtained during your whole university career.

• Challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious university and a stimulating internationally renowned research environment.
• Full-time temporary appointment for 4 years.
• Gross salary between € 2.325,00 and € 2.972,00.
• An extensive package of fringe benefits (e.g. excellent technical infrastructure, the possibility of child care and excellent sports facilities).