The Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG) research section has a very ambitious and diversified research programme covering major technological challenges concerning the operation and planning of future electrical sustainable electrical power grids.

IEPG is seeking a PhD candidate to conduct research on the utilization of the grid-edge data of DSO and TSO power systems in order to address and reduce the uncertainty affecting the security of supply (i.e. possibility of occurrence of active power imbalance) in long to short time frame and under high penetration of RES. The research will lead to advanced tools for estimating of the available active power reserve, (intelligent) primary control, and (optimal coordinated) secondary control actions. The research activities will be based on off-line digital simulation, and real-time digital simulation for laboratory scale experiments (e.g. control-in-the-loop testing), and data analytics  methods.

This PhD position, starting from September 2021, offers a great opportunity to participate in a cutting-edge national research project involving strong academia-industry collaboration. The PhD candidate will be working closely with other PhD fellows working at IEPG and participating in an interdisciplinary cooperation with researchers at other universities and with key industry partners covering the full electricity value chain. This position is part of the MegaMind Research Program.

The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on three areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)

The Electrical Sustainable Energy Department provides expertise in each of these areas throughout the entire energy system chain. The department owns a large ESP laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment and large RTDS that is actively used for real time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide area monitoring and protection.

The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group, headed by Professor Peter Palensky, works on the future of our power system. The goal is to generate, transmit and use electrical energy in a highly reliable, efficient, stable, clean, affordable, and safe way. IEPG integrates new power technologies and smart controls, which interact with other systems and allow for more distributed and variable generation.

We are looking for a candidate with the following qualifications:

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering or Power Systems or a closely related field.
• Background in power system stability and control.
• Background in modelling and control of power electronic interfaced devices.
• Demonstrated competences in one or more of the following complementary categories: Power System Modelling and Simulation (e.g. Digsilent Power Factory, RTDS), Software programming (e.g. Python), Artificial Intelligence and data analytics (e.g. machine learning).
• An affinity with teaching and guiding students.
• A proven record and interest in further developing your modelling, programming, analytical and scientific writing skills.
• Proficiency in English for effective communication and writing.
• Ability to work in a team, take initiative, good time management, open to feedback and eager to continuously improve, be results oriented and systematic

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.