PhD in Smart Reactive Power Control for Future Power Grids

Join SPARC as a PhD researcher! Develop probabilistic forecasting, optimization, and real-time control for smart reactive power management in future power grids. Collaborate with TU/e and TUM to enhance grid resilience and renewable energy integration. Work at the intersection of power systems, control, optimization, and machine learning.

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Are you our next PhD researcher in exploring cutting-edge probabilistic forecasting, optimization, and real-time control for smart reactive power management in future power grids?

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join the SPARC – Smart Provision of Ancillary Reactive Power Control project, a collaborative research initiative between TU/e (Eindhoven, Netherlands) and TUM (Munich, Germany). This project aims to revolutionize reactive power management in modern power systems by developing advanced probabilistic forecasting models, integrated optimization frameworks, and real-time control architectures. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of electrical power system dynamics, control, optimization, and machine learning, with a focus on enhancing grid resilience and enabling the integration of renewable energy.

The SPARC project addresses the pressing challenge of managing reactive power flows at the transmission-distribution (T-D) interface in power systems with high penetration of renewable energy and power electronics. The PhD candidate will contribute to:

• Developing probabilistic forecasting models for reactive power availability, leveraging machine learning and real-time data.
• Designing an integrated optimization framework for ancillary service coordination, considering grid constraints and market dynamics.
• Creating real-time control architectures for seamless TSO-DSO interaction, validated through Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) simulations.
• Collaborating with grid operators like Enexis to ensure practical relevance and impact.

The PhD candidate will spend at least six months at TUM to leverage complementary expertise and facilities, fostering cross-institutional collaboration.

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 assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• 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. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• 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.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Niels Blaauwbroek, Assistant Professor, n.blaauwbroek@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.