2 PhD's on Optimal Congestion-aware Control and Design of Charging Energy Hubs

We are seeking two highly motivated PhD students who are interested in pursuing research at the interface of control systems and optimization for smart grid technologies.

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Mechanical Engineering

Reference number

V35.6979

Driven by regulation and an expected lower total cost of ownership, the number of electric trucks and vans will increase substantially in the coming years, resulting in an expected additional electricity demand of almost 15% compared to the current total consumption in the Netherlands by 2050. The current electricity grid and regulations are not prepared to accommodate the huge increase in electricity demand for electric vehicles and the increase in renewable energy generation, leading to grid balancing and capacity problems on the electric grid that may ultimately impede the electrification of mobility and logistics. This project is part of a multidisciplinary consortium aimed at accelerating the electrification of the logistics sector by developing technological innovations to enable the integration of the charging infrastructure, battery storage systems, and distributed renewable generation within the existing energy grid. In this context, the design and the coordination of these components is of paramount importance to achieve a robust and sustainable energy grid operation.

PhD 1: Within this project, we aim at developing (distributed) optimal energy management control algorithms to coordinate energy consumers (charging stations, energy storage systems, etc.) and producers (generators, energy storage systems, etc.), with the main goal of optimizing infrastructure utilization. Specifically, we foresee three major subtasks: 1) To develop a demand prediction model to forecast system state (charging demand, power generation, etc.), possibly while maintaining user privacy; 2) to develop an implementable online control framework for optimal energy distribution and storage, e.g., leveraging optimal control methods and model predictive control (MPC) algorithms, possibly in a distributed fashion; 3) to benchmark the developed control framework by implementing it into a digital twin and compare its performance with existing rule-based approaches and (offline) strategies.

PhD 2: Within this project, we aim at developing a digital-twin for scenario-based analyses and optimal system design of energy charging hubs considering, e.g., logistical planning activities, charging profiles, local storage systems, flexible assets (electrolysers, battery systems), and grid capacity. Specifically, we foresee four major subtasks: 1) Specification of an agent-based scenario toolbox and its interfacing with the open system design toolbox; 2) Development of an agent-based modelling environment for scenario-based analysis; 3) Validation of the models against real-world user-design case studies; 4) Optimization algorithms for combined charging infrastructure design and fleet operation, given other (stochastic) exogenous inputs.

These positions are part of the joint interdisciplinary Nationaal Groeifonds project Charging Energy Hubs between, among others, the Control Systems Technology section in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at TU/e, Firan, Maxem, Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (TNO), and Scholt Energy. During the project, the candidates will have opportunities to mentor students at many levels and take part in international scientific events.

Talented, enthusiastic, and open-minded candidates with excellent analytical and communication skills are encouraged to apply.
A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Cybernetics, or a related discipline is required, as well as a strong background in control engineering, programming, and system modelling and identification. Experience and interest in power grid systems, model predictive control, and/or numerical optimization are of advantage.

We offer a competitive position for four years starting from January 2024 in a highly motivated and welcoming team at a dynamic and ambitious university. You will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines come together. TU/e is in one of the smartest regions of the world and part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’, well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists! In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video .

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact dr. M. Salazar, e-mail: m.r.u.salazar[at]tue.nl,  dr. P. Chanfreut Palacio, e-mail: p.chanfreut.palacio[at]tue.nl, or dr. T. Hofman, e-mail: t.hofman[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.flux[at]tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include:

• a cover letter (stating personal goal and research interests connecting to one or more of the topics defined above, and an expressed preference for one of the two positions);
• a complete Curriculum Vitae including a list of publications and contact information of three reference persons.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. We do not respond to applications that are sent to us in any other form. Both national and international applications for these positions are appreciated. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Promising candidates will be contacted by email.