About Project

The project intends to explore the application of pure dc collection technology and integration in offshore wind farms and green hydrogen production. The research project is to start on January 1st, 2024 and will last four years.

FlexH2.0 is based on two key technological innovation pillars: (1) High-performance DC/DC power conversion technology and (2) a reliable control scheme for the offshore wind-to-hydrogen system. This project will explore the optimal design and control solutions for a cost-effective and reliable offshore wind-to-hydrogen system. FlexH2.0 also demonstrates the feasibility of the dc power conversion and collection technology at medium-voltage and

GW levels, boosting the application of dc technology in commercial projects.

About this position

This PhD position aims to develop the first innovation pillar of the FlexH2.0 project, .i.e,
High-performance DC/DC power conversion technology.

In this FlexH2.0 offshore wind-to-hydrogen system, dc/dc converters play the role of energy transition from wind turbines to water electrolyzers, enabling flexible control of wind power and H2 generation. In view of this offshore application, the footprint is a key parameter that needs to be considered when designing converters, along with efficiency and reliability. Besides, to ensure the safe and reliable operation of water electrolyzers, good dynamic and wide voltage regulation abilities are also required for dc/dc converters. The performance of dc/dc power conversion stages has a direct impact on the entire offshore wind-to-hydrogen system.

The expected results of the PhD project will be as follows

• High-efficiency compact topology of high-power dc/dc converter considering load characteristics.
• Parameter design and optimization for high efficiency and compact structure considering scaling.
• Down-scale experimental verification.

The PhD candidate will collaborate closely with industrial partner Shell to address the specific challenges as follows:

1. System-level structure design and interface requirements

• Functionality design of offshore wind-to-hydrogen system with pure dc structure
• Design of system-level structure for offshore wind-to-hydrogen system
• Constraints/requirements and specifications for converter hardware design
• Verification through EMT simulation

2. Detailed Design of High-efficiency compact dc-dc converter

• Modeling load characteristics of water electrolyzers
• Review and comparison of existing dc/dc converter schemes
• Topology derivation of high-efficiency compact dc converter
• Parameter design and optimization for proposed dc converter considering scaling
• EMT simulation studies and verification

3. Experimental Verification in MV-KW FlexH2.0 Concept Demonstrator

• Parameter design of down-scale experimental dc converter prototype
• High-frequency transformer design
• Hardware design and functional debugging of the experimental prototype

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• You are a talented and enthusiastic young researcher.
• You have an MSc degree in electrical engineering or any other relevant program.
• You have theoretical and applied knowledge of isolated dc/dc converters, and experience in hardware design and debugging
• Experience in designing high-power magnetic components is a big plus.
• You have good communicative skills, and the attitude to partake successfully in the work of a research team.
• You are creative and ambitious, hard-working, and persistent.
• You have a good command of the English language (Spoken and Written).

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 27.
• 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.