Postdoc Mitigate Harmonics in Power Electronics-based Power Systems

Postdoc Mitigate Harmonics in Power Electronics-based Power Systems

This project offers excellent opportunity to work on novel aspects related to control and protection concepts for multi-terminal HVDC power systems

Job description

In the framework of the ongoing research conducted with TSO and academic institutions, 2-3 years postdoc position will be assigned. The MITIGATE-HARM project brings direct advancements to the planning and interoperability of HVDC grids by enabling harmonic stability assessment of the hybrid power system (HPS) and design:

• Mathematical framework for identification of instabilities and resonances inside the HPS;
• Based on identified undesired behavior, MITIGATE-HARM will propose possible mitigation measures and wideband passivity of the power system to enable stable power system operation.
• Additionally, the proposed identification and mitigation measures will be implemented using C++ programming language and incorporated inside the Harmony toolbox.

The postdoc position deals with the design of the mathematical approaches for the identifications of the instabilities and resonances inside the HPS, and their mitigation. This is the 2-3 years postdoctoral appointment, with an anticipated starting date on 01.12.2025. You will be supervised by Dr. Aleksandra Lekić (associate professor). You will be a member of the section Intelligent Electrical Power Grids in the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

About the department

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 Electrical Sustainable Energy Department provides expertise in each of these areas throughout the entire energy system chain. 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. Furthermore, the department owns one of the largest academic RTDS infrastructures equipped with additional labs for performing Control and Protection HiL testing.

The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group, headed by Prof. Dr. Peter Palensky, works on the future of our power system. The goal is to generate, transmit and use electrical energy in a highly reliable, efficient, stable, clean, affordable, and safe way. IEPG integrates new power technologies and smart controls, which interact with other systems and allow for more distributed and variable generation.

Job requirements

• Excellent knowledge of electrical power systems and power electronics.
• Experience and comprehensive knowledge in modeling and simulation of power electronic-based power systems; identification of resonances and instabilities, and their mitigations.
• Excellent knowledge of power electronic devices operation, and control for HVDC power systems.
• Excellent programming skills in C++, and MATLAB. Knowledge of simulation in PSCAD is a plus.
• Completed a Ph.D. degree in a highly technical related discipline (computer science, electrical engineering, etc.) and you were at the top of your class.
• Excellent English reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.
• You are independent, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• You are keen to work with other co-workers and partners, link real-world challenges and contribute to the ongoing energy transition.

Requirements:

The candidate is required to have good knowledge about power electronic devices, control, simulation and modeling. It is crucial to have solid background and experience with programming.

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 scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are 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 – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are 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. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1 year + 1-2 years (24-36 Months).
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.

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

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

We offer a pleasant working environment with a dynamic and highly knowledgeable team consisting of experts from TSO utilities and academia. For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. A. Lekić - A.Lekic@tudelft.nl.