PhD Position Second Life of Batteries for Grid /Support

Integrating batteries into traction grids is finding new applications with the integration of RES and third-party users. Still, there are many power electronics and EMS challenges to solve.

Job description

This PhD focuses on the reuse of electric vehicle batteries for grid support, an area gaining traction but still limited by unresolved practical challenges. Existing DC charging systems are not designed for the heterogeneous nature of second-life batteries, which differ in state of health, capacity, and interface standards. Furthermore, spatial constraints in dense urban environments, coupled with regulatory uncertainties surrounding battery transport, safety, and installation, complicate deployment. Current assessment frameworks insufficiently capture the long-term reliability, environmental trade-offs, and techno-economic feasibility of second-life battery systems in grid applications. As a result, there is a pressing need for rigorous research to develop integration strategies, modeling approaches, and regulatory frameworks that enable reliable and scalable use of second-life batteries in high-power DC charging networks.

This PhD is funded by Holland High Tech and ABB Delft.

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, a DC Grids testing environment, and a 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 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 through electric vehicle charging, 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 from a well-established university.
• You have experience with the modeling of one or more of the following: batteries, power flows in DC grids, and EV charging demand.
• You have a solid background in power electronics and the development of experimental setups.
• Excellent English and programming skills are required. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage.
• You combine excellent mathematical and analytical skills.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of two employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract includes an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months. This is 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.