PhD in power electronics converter (PEC) for electrolyzer with high current and low voltage

 Aalborg University contributes to the knowledge building of the global society as well as the development of prosperity, welfare and culture of Danish society. This is accomplished through research, research-based education, public sector services and knowledge collaboration. AAU educates students for the future and activities are based on a dynamic and transformative collaboration with the surrounding community. 

AAU Energy is a dynamic engineering research department in continuous growth and inspiring surroundings. AAU Energy has a very international environment and covers all areas of clean and sustainable energy systems of the future within electrical, thermal and mechatronic energy technology. AAU Energy has campuses in both Aalborg and Esbjerg, this position is located in Aalborg. 

The mission is to be world-leading in both research and research-based education of the energy engineers of the future. AAU Energy has approx. 300 employees of many nationalities, of which 25 are administrative staff. In addition, AAU Energy constantly has approx. 50-70 guest researchers from around the world. 

Research and teaching are in the absolute world elite in the field of energy, and we have extensive and leading workshop and laboratory facilities, where research and innovation are carried out in direct collaboration with industry to a great extent. 

The position is offered in relation to the research program" Power Electronics Packaging Materials and Emerging Applications" and the PhD Student will be positioned in the section for“Power Electronics System Integration and Materials”.

Innovation Fund Denmark funds an Indo-Danish project with a PhD position in power electronics converter(PEC) for electrolyzer with high current and low voltage.

The goal of the ECoGrif project is to investigate and demonstrate the cost-effective, efficient and grid-friendly power electronic converter(PEC) for reduced specific energy consumption in large power electrolysers foreseen to be utilized in hydrogen production applications. To meet the key project objectives the overall workflow within the project is divided into six work packages(WPs) such that there is a bi-lateral collaboration between the industry and University partners on both Danish as well as Indian sides.

The specific PEC concept topology chosen from the concept design and evaluation phase in WP3 will be realized through the buildup of a large-scale PEC demonstrator in WP4. The hardware prototype of the PEC and relevant subsystems will be designed and built at AAU during the second year of the project in WP4. Part of the PEC subsystem that is commercially available may be outsourced(i.e. thyristor stacks, power modules, gate drivers, magnetics) to reduce the time for prototyping. The controller developed at IIT-M for a small-scale demonstrator in WP3 will be integrated with the large-scale prototype. The preliminary test and hardware validation of the PEC with control implemented will be carried out in power electronics laboratory at AAU.

Candidate must have obtained an MsC degree including topics of power electronics and control. Interested in learning and obtaining training in power electronics to a level the project goals of the PEC design and hardware build-up can be reached.

The applicant must provide and upload a proper project description, which describes the applicant initial thoughts and ideas related to the specific project applied for. This includes a brief state-of-the-art(including a short list of references), a time schedule and how the applicant intends to shed light on the project objectives. The project description should have a length of 4-5 pages.

You may obtain further professional information from Professor Stig Munk-Nielsen, by phone 0045 9940 9242 and by email:[email protected] .

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Lisbeth Diinhoff, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email:[email protected] , phone:+45 9940 9589.

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science:www.phd.engineering.aau.dk  

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.