Energy systems are facing a great challenge to meet strict CO2 reduction targets. This goes hand in hand with the need to integrate massive amounts of renewable energy into the electrical power grid. However, the inherent stochastic and intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, make it increasingly difficult to balance electricity production and demand. To tackle these issues, the surplus electrical power from renewable energy sources can be converted to green hydrogen via water electrolysis. This can serve as a large-scale long-term (seasonal) energy storage method, facilitates stabilizing the future power grid with 100% penetration of renewable energy, and provides large industrial clusters with green hydrogen.

The overall objective of this project is to provide a scalable DC grid technology for the next-generation offshore wind-hydrogen power plant. Specifically, three key aspects will be explored.

1. Different dc grid topologies to interconnect the wind turbines and hydrogen electrolyzers will be explored considering different electrical layouts, and distances between wind turbines and hydrogen electrolyzers.
2. Advanced topologies and optimal design solutions of high-power medium voltage DC/DC converter to step the dc voltage between 1kV and 33kV~75kV with a power level >10 MW.
3. Design, optimization, and testing of medium-frequency (>1kHz) high power transformer with a galvanic isolation level of 33kV~75kV.

Job Requirements

• PhD in power electronics or any other relevant program.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, demonstrated for instance by a relevant Ph.D. thesis and/or publication(s).
• Hands-on experimental experience in high-power medium voltage power electronics converter design and implementation.
• Have a forward-thinking mindset and is ambitious to push the cutting edge of the medium voltage dc technologies.
• Excellent mastering of the English language, good communication and leadership skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.
• Be a team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary context.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for one year.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs for research and valorization,  professional development courses for PhD students, and didactical courses of the TEACH training program.
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• 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.