PhD Control Techniques for Active Filtering Power Electronics Applications (WBG)

We are looking for a PhD in Modern Control Techniques for Active Filtering Power Electronics Applications based on WBG devices

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.5617

Are you inspired by challenging control problems in the context of Wide Band-Gap (WBG) based Power Electronics applications? Are you eager to apply advanced, computationally intensive control techniques in real-life industrial problems, coupled with modern topology designs utilizing WBG technology, and prove your results on working prototypes? If yes, then look no further – this position will challenge you in every aspect.

JobDescription

In the Power Electronics Lab (PEL/e) of the Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) Group, we are looking for an outstanding PhD candidate to work on the application of Model Predictive Control (MPC) for SiC-based converter designs in Active Filtering applications. 

The research work will comprise the hardware design and implementation of a SiC-based converter prototype, investigating topological concepts and the associated control techniques that can provide versatile and robust control performance, low EMI and high power density. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with the R&D team of Hitachi Energy, High-Voltage Components Product Group.

Specifically, the aim is to investigate the use of Model Predictive Control (MPC) for SiC-based converter designs featuring very high switching frequencies. This will be done in the context of an Active Filter application. The Active Filter is expected to feature high power density and low EMI, and present a robust performance against grid uncertainties, i.e. have the capability to adapt to changing grid conditions in terms of impedance and harmonic content. Given the versatility of the application requirements, HW design and control concept need to be investigated and developed together in a holistic manner. This interdisciplinary area of research promises a broad spectrum of challenges, and requires a strong mathematical background, coupled with a solid knowledge of power electronics and aptitude for advanced HW design and experimental verification.  

Besides research you will also contribute to education within the department. Apart from supervising BSc and MSc students in their research projects, other assistance in education, e.g. in bachelor courses, is also expected. The overall load usually amounts to around 20% of your contract time.

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical Engineering, with a strong mathematical background.
• A research oriented attitude, with a passion for application-driven scientific problems and impactful solutions.
• Experience with realization of hardware PE designs is strongly desired.
• Ability to work in a team and interested in collaborating with the industrial partners.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.
• To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will make a Training and Supervision plan and you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program ).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called ‘30% facility’, which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact prof. George Papafotiou (g.papafotiou[at]tue.nl).

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis.
• Extract of the grades acquired in the courses for your BSc and MSc studies.

We look forward to your application.
We will screen your application as soon as possible and the vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

We do not respond to applications that are sent to us in a different way.

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