PhD scholarship in Electrical topologies for Hybrid Power Plants

Do you want to be involved in the green energy transition? Do you wish to contribute to the development of wind energy and are you looking for a career in R&D or academia?

Then we have an opportunity!

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate to join us as PhD scholar.

DTU Wind and Energy Systems is a world-leading wind energy department that puts knowledge to work through cutting-edge research, innovation and development of technology. We have internationally leading research environments, and we prioritize strong cross-disciplinary collaborations within DTU, with leading international universities and facilities, and with private companies. We have a strong focus on the development of wind energy as the backbone of the future energy system and collaborate with the full sector.

You will be part of the international team carrying out research in the GRID section where the working language is English. Our research in GRID is dedicated to Grid Integration and Energy Systems related to renewable energy in general.

Please look at https://windenergy.dtu.dk/english/research/research-sections/grd for more details on the type of activities we undertake.

Context

Hybrid Power Plants (HPPs) combine multiple sources of electricity generation and potentially storage assets in a single power plant have the potential to increase overall project profitability through multiple avenues.

You will focus on modelling, simulating and analysing the dynamic performance of HPPs. You will consider different electrical topologies, such as common AC bus, common DC bus, or hybrid AC/DC, focusing on dynamic performance and transient stability, and grid code compliance. You will also investigate HPPs’ capability of providing reliability services. Special focus will be given to services such as grid-forming operation and black start from renewables. Determining which type of control (at the plant level) is most appropriate for grids with high renewable share and the assessment of the grid support services for future grid codes shall be key focus areas.

Responsibilities and qualifications

The main purpose of the PhD will be to strengthen DTU Wind and Energy Systems’ competences within electrical design of and reliability services provision by hybrid power plants combining wind power, solar PV and storage. You are expected to collaborate closely with the other members – internal and external – of the project.

Your primary tasks will be:

• Plan and manage your PhD project in collaboration with supervisors
• Model and analyze different electrical topologies and their static and dynamic performance
• Develop controllers and investigate grid code compliance and ability to provide advanced reliability services such as grid forming and black start
• Demonstrate and validate the developed controllers in laboratory environment
• Contribute to education in teaching and co-supervising BSc and MSc student projects

A detailed project plan will be developed with the supervisors within the first three months after enrolment.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in engineering, natural sciences or similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

The successful candidate is required to have:

1. MSc degree in Electrical Engineering or similar
2. Documented background in wind/PV electrical modelling and control
3. Experience with converter control
4. Ability to work in a project team and take responsibility for own research goals
5. Fluency in communicating and reporting in English

The successful candidate must also fulfil the requirements for admission to a PhD program at DTU.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

The workplace will be DTU Wind and Energy Systems, Risø Campus at Roskilde, Denmark.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Professor Nicolaos A. Cutululis, (niac@dtu.dk).    Administrative issues can be directed to Head of Section Gregor Giebel (grgi@dtu.dk)

You can read more about DTU Wind and Energy Systems on www.vindenergi.dtu.dk     

Application

Please submit your online application no later than 31 May 2022 (Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A 1-page research statement on the above research topic

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Wind and Energy Systems is one of the world’s largest centers of wind energy and energy systems research and knowledge, with a staff of more than 400 people from 37 countries working in research, innovation, research-based consulting and education. DTU Wind and Energy Systems has approximately 90 PhD students. The department’s cross-disciplinary research is organized through strategic research programmes that collaborate with Danish and international universities, research institutions and organizations, as well as the wind industry.

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 13,400 students and 5,800 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

Apply here