Postdoc Adaptive Power Control for Stable Multi Energy Systems – Delft, Netherlands

Challenge: Fast mitigation of active power fluctuations in offshore energy systems.

Change: Effective power control at sub-second level.

Impact: Reliable renewable generation and power-to-X conversion.

Job description

As the energy transformation is taking shape, multi-energy systems pose a serious threat to the stability of our power systems. The volatility of sustainable energy sources like solar and wind, and the unpredictability of user behaviour add to the conundrum. The constant changes in active power exchanges through HVDC and HVAC conversion, generation, and consumption lead to unacceptable voltage and frequency deviations from established limits for technical performance, ultimately causing power grid failures. As a blackout can be caused by changes in just a fraction of a second, revolutionary new, adaptive and fast control technology is crucial to promptly and effectively curb such deviations. As a postdoc at TU Delft you will conduct research into and develop self-learning automated control principles, incorporating a wide range of methods and technologies.

You’ll be working in a multidisciplinary team and with industrial partners, including leading power grid operators. Developing a comprehensive dynamic stability model using automation, multi-variable control methods and other relevant disciplines, you will first simulate and test your models in our state-of-the-art Electrical Sustainable Power Lab. And in close collaboration with your partners, you will translate your models into systems specifications and even experiment in their installations. In addition, you will be organising cocreation workshops and meetings and will report your progress and findings to the stakeholders. You will, of course, publish papers and disseminate your findings and knowledge in relevant communities.

Your research is part of a multi-disciplinary drive towards stable, reliable sustainable energy systems. Which is why you’ll work closely with your colleagues in the Dynamic Stability of Sustainable Electrical Power Systems research group. We are an innovation-driven, multidisciplinary team of early-stage and senior professors, postdocs, PhDs, and MSc researchers with different cultural backgrounds. You will be coaching and mentoring PhD as well as master students. Fostering a synergetic, open-minded, and win-together culture, we regularly interact and share views, unlocking opportunities, forms of incubation, and deployment of knowledge and ground-breaking developments. We also stimulate a healthy and inclusive work environment in which you can bring out the best in yourself. And we value autonomy, professionalism, and a balanced work-life approach.

Requirements

You thrive on conducting independent research, while being part of a team working together on a stable energy grid meeting the demands of the energy transition. To help achieve our goals, you have the flexibility to align your research and are able to collaborate to work towards solutions. You harness your communication and organisation skills, convincing and motivating your partners and your team of PhD candidates to achieve tangible results. You also enjoy interacting with and coaching master students.

You also have:

• A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or Power Electronics.
• A demonstrable background in power system stability and control, and in electromagnetic transient modelling and control of power electronic interfaced devices, and an in-depth knowledge of classic and modern control methods.
• A good command of English, because you will be working in an international environment. A command of Dutch would help you communicate with industrial partners and students.

Conditions of employment

Starting with a one-year contract, this role is a three-year assignment.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines – electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr J. L. Rueda-Torres, phone: +31 (0)15-2786239.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 16 June 2023, via the application button and upload:

1. Research statement in maximum one (A4 format) page. Please explain clearly:

• • Your key skills which will help you successfully generate and steer high-quality scientific research within the scope of this postdoc position.
  • The top-two of your latest innovative solutions and their deployment and impact.
  • The top-two of your latest published works in highly ranked scientific journals.

2. Detailed CV.

3. Copy of your PhD degree and transcript.

4. Names and contact information of at least three relevant references, one or two whom were not involved in your PhD research. We will note contact references without your consent.

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.