Position PhD-student
Irène Curie Fellowship No
Department(s) Electrical Engineering
FTE 1,0
Date off 11/06/2023
Reference number V36.6602

Job description

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

Job requirements

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).

Conditions of employment

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.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Dongsheng Yang (d.yang1[at]tue.nl) and prof. Guus Pemen (a.j.m.pemen[at]tue.nl)

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.flux[at]tue.nl.

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

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.