Green Hydrogen (H2) is a promising technology for decarbonizing many applications and it is considered the key solution for carbon neutrality. It can be used as a large energy storage system for long-term, supporting grid stability, for example, or fuel for future electric aircraft. In fact, it is considered the key for the future zero-emission aircraft. However, this technology is not yet ready and there are many technical challenges that must be overcome. One of these challenges is related to the power supply of the electrolyzer, which is used for the production of H2 (power-to-H2). Today's solutions are based on outdated technology (low-frequency transformer with passive rectifier) and a new solution is needed.   In this context, this project proposes the investigation of a modern solid-state transformer (SST) solution for electrolyzer. The converter is connected to the medium-voltage grid (MVAC) and it is composed of an AC-DC converter and an isolated DC-DC converter.

Job Description

In the Power Electronics Lab (PEL/e) of the Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) Group, we are looking for an outstanding PhD candidate interested in working medium voltage power electronics-based architectures for electrolyzers, which is used for the Green H2 production.

In this project, you will investigate suitable SST architecture for electrolyzers, and work with optimization and design in different levels: system level, converter level, and component level. The main activities, include: analysis and comparison of different architectures and configurations of SST; Assessment of different power converters (AC-DC and DC-DC) to be used in the SST architecture; Implementation of simulation models of the converters; Analysis, design optimization and implementation of the most suitable converters; Investigate the impact of new semiconductors technology (mainly SiC Mosfets) on the efficiency, cost and footprint of the system. The final goal is to evaluate and quantify the benefits of using the advanced power electronics-based solution as a power supply for electrolyzer compared to the traditional solution, considering efficiency, cost, benefits for the system, footprint, future potential for this technology, etc.

Besides research you will also contribute to education within the department. Apart from supervising BSc and MSc students in their research projects, other assistance in education, e.g. in bachelor courses, is also expected. The overall load usually amounts to around 10% of your contract time.

• A MSc degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering or any other relevant program
• Strong background in power electronics (specially dc-dc converters, isolated converters, multilevel converters, and rectifier)
• Experience with simulation tools (Matlab/PLECS, etc)
• Hands-on experience with prototypes (PCB design, implementation, and experimental verification) is desirable (but not mandatory).
• Good scientific writing and documentation skills.
• Enthusiasm and motivation to work on highly challenging research topics
• A research oriented attitude, with a passion for application-driven scientific problems and impactful solutions.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.
• To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called '30% facility', which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.