PhD GaN-based Active Filter Design

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.5618

Are you interested in research that advances the use of Power Electronics in grid related applications and is accelerating the energy transition? Are you inspired by the challenge of scaling up in power the application of novel semiconductor technologies such as GaN? Are you eager to combine knowledge and research in materials, topologies and thermal management into a working prototype and prove your results? 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 GaN-based converter designs in Active Filtering applications. 

The research work will comprise the hardware design and implementation of a GaN-based converter prototype, investigating topological concepts, design of magnetics and thermal management solutions that are necessary to scale up the use of GaN semiconductors in the range of tens of kWs. 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 GaN semiconductors to produce power converter designs for power levels in the range of tens of kW. The designs will be relevant for an Active Filter application, and the converter is expected to feature ultra-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. For this to be possible, the HW design needs to consider new topological concepts, as well as the use of novel materials and thermal management techniques. Moreover, the control system needs to be also taken into account and be  developed in the context of the ultra-high switching frequencies that are achievable with GaN devices. This interdisciplinary area of research promises a broad spectrum of challenges, and requires a strong power electronics background, coupled with a solid knowledge of control and a proven 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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