PhD Position Novel Inverter Technologies and Flexibility in PV Systems

Integrating renewable and distributed energy resources, such as photovoltaics (PV) and energy storage devices, into the electric distribution system requires advanced grid-supporting power electronics.

This PhD position focuses on conceiving and designing novel PV inverter technologies that outperform conventional solutions in terms of power quality and operational performance.

Job description

Next-generation inverters must provide efficient and reliable pathways for the integration of renewable electricity into the grid. Moreover, the increasing penetration of photovoltaic (PV) resources in modern power systems demands enhanced functionality from inverter-based resources.

This project aims to conceive and design novel PV inverter technologies that outperform conventional solutions in terms of power quality and operational performance. In particular, it focuses on enabling medium-voltage PV inverters by leveraging the integration of wide bandgap semiconductors to achieve higher power density and improved reliability in a cost-effective manner.

Enabling this integration also requires the development of robust control algorithms to enhance inverter functionality, the characterization of interactions among multiple smart inverters as well as between inverters and utility distribution systems, support for the development of standards governing smart inverter functionalities, and the analysis of the impacts of smart inverters on distribution systems.

This PhD is funded by Horizon Europe and contributes to the European Partnership for Innovation in Photovoltaics (EUPI-PV).

Research environment

The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)

The department owns a large ESP Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide-area monitoring and protection.

The DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S) group is responsible for research and education in the fields of DC systems, high voltage technology, energy storage, electronic power conversion (power electronics), and electromechanics. DC systems is a multidisciplinary field of research, exploring the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage (electric vehicles) in DC networks and systems and future DC transmission grids. The group is currently active in applications such as Direct Current distribution and transmission grids and microgrids, electrification of mobility (charging of electric vehicles), and renewable generation of electrical energy (such as wind and solar energy).

Job requirements

Who are we looking for?

• You have a master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline from a well-established university.
• A solid background in power electronics and the development of experimental setups.
• Experience designing and implementing control schemes for power electronics, grid integration of inverter-based resources and discrete control platforms.
• Excellent English and programming skills are a requirement. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
• A combination of excellent mathematical and analytical skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology 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.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind technologies such as the electricity grid, chips and sensors, software technologies including AI, and applied mathematics.

Technology such as the electricity grid is being made completely sustainable and future-proof by the faculty. At the same time, the faculty is developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment, including AI.

Meanwhile, the faculty is pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. The faculty offers ground-breaking research, innovative engineering education, and excellent labs and facilities within a strong international environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.