PhD Power Electronics Solutions for Grid Integration of Fast Charging Stations

Fast charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) pose several challenges to the electric grid. The high power demand during peak charging periods can lead to grid instability, voltage fluctuations, and increased stress on distribution infrastructure. Additionally, these stations can cause power quality issues such as harmonic distortion and reduce overall grid efficiency, particularly in areas with limited grid capacity or renewable energy integration.

These issues can be mitigated by integrating advanced power electronics solutions, such as smart converters and grid-supportive inverters, which regulate voltage and power. Energy storage systems and renewable energy sources can also be incorporated to balance peak loads, improve power quality, and enhance overall grid stability during EV fast charging.

To address these challenges, we are looking for a motivated PhD candidate interested in working on power electronics converter to enhance the integration fast charging station in the power grid.

The PhD will be part of the EU project Electronic Components and Systems for Flexible, Coordinated, and Resilient Distributed Renewable Energy Systems (ECS4DRES). This groundbreaking initiative is co-funded by Horizon Europe and the Federal Government, involving 33 partners across 6 European countries.

In this project, you will investigate suitable power electronics solutions to mitigate the challenges caused by the integration of high-power charging stations into the grid. Additionally, the integration of renewable energy, primarily PV systems, and energy storage systems should be considered to enhance overall system performance. Moreover, you will with optimization and design in different levels: system level, converter level, and component level. The main activities, include: investigate the current and futures problems in the integration of FCS in the grid, analysis and comparison of different power electronics system; Assessment of different power converters (AC-DC and DC-DC) to be used; Implementation of simulation models of the converters; Analysis, design optimization and implementation of power converters.

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 meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.