Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is one of Europe's top technological universities, situated at the heart of a most innovative high-tech region, with a wealth of collaborations with industry and academic institutes. In 2017, TU/e was ranked 15th in Europe in the Times Higher Educational World University ranking for Engineering and Technology. TU/e has around 3,000 employees and 2,300 PhD students (half of which international, representing about 70 nationalities).

The envisioned research is part of the Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group of TU/e. Within the EES group research is conducted on the different aspects of electrical energy systems, such as intelligent energy systems, planning and operation of power systems, power cables, EMC and so on. The EES group has strong ties with industry and research institutes both nationally and internationally, with several part-time industry researchers working in the group and a large group of strategic collaboration partners.

Project Description

The energy transition results in a fast and large increase in loading of the electricity network. This results in more and more congestion on the network and as a result new customers cannot be connected to the network and the goals for CO2 reduction cannot be achieved. Therefore network operators continuously investigate possibilities for more effective usage of the network. One promising solution is to control the loading of the network in a more dynamic way. In the Dutch context especially medium voltage cable networks are interesting. Therefore the GEDYCAR (GEneric DYnamic CAble Rating) project is started, aiming at the development of a generic and optimized methodology for determining and controlling the loading of cable networks. This methodology should be implemented in the distribution management systems of the distribution network operators to make optimal use of the capacity of the network in order to avoid congestion problems and to make connection of new customers possible.  

The project starts with gaining relevant knowledge, such that the project can take the latest relevant developments as a starting point. The next step is to develop a generic model that can be used for different types of cable. In order to develop this model it has to be investigated which parameters have the largest influence on the (dynamic) rating of the cables, but also how future load profiles will look like and how they will affect the (dynamic) rating of the cables. In this step it will also be investigated how these profiles can be changed (by controlling load or generation, usage of flexibility in the network and so on) and how this can be used to optimize the loading of the cable. The final goal of this stage of the project is to develop a generic model of the dynamic loading of cables. This model will also be validated in practice. In the next stage the model will be used to optimize the usage of the network. A higher loading might result in faster degradation of equipment, a large chance on interruptions and so on. Therefore the optimal balance between optimal usage of the network, reliability, network architecture and economic and societal costs and benefits has to be found. An optimization model will be developed to the balance. In the last stage of the project it has to be investigated how the model can be incorporated in the working processes and control centers of the network operators, such that network operators can control the loading of the network (for example by controlling generators, the usage of flexibility and so on) and to optimize the usage of the network.

The position is supervised by Dr. ir. J, Morren, Prof. dr. ir. J.G. Slootweg and Prof. dr. ir. P.C.J.M. van der Wielen.

Working context

The PhD researcher will work in close collaboration with experts and researchers from the international consultancy company DNV and Dutch Distribution System Operators

We are looking for a highly motivated and pro-active candidate with very good Dutch or English proficiency. The candidate needs to have obtained a relevant master degree (preferably Electrical Engineering) with excellent grades. The candidates must have strong analytical skills, knowledge about power systems and especially power cables and should be familiar with optimization techniques.

• 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. The research must be concluded with the attainment of a Ph.D. degree.
• 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 make a Training and Supervision plan and 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. The salary starts at € 2541.- per month (gross) in the first year, increasing up to € 3247.- per month (gross) in the last year.
• 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.
• Assistance for finding accommodation can be given.