STI – Two PhD positions in Data-Driven Modelling and Control Group

Two PhD positions are available immediately in Data-Driven Modelling and Control Group. The positions are funded by Swiss National Science Foundation for a project called Direct Data-Driven Control (D3Control). In this project, direct data-driven algorithms are developed in time and frequency domain to compute fixed structure controllers that are suitable for distributed control of large systems. In these methods, the input/output data are used directly for controller design, with no assumption on the model structure or the need for a parametric model. The linear time-invariant systems are studied but the extension of the algorithms to some classes of nonlinear systems, such as sector nonlinearity, passive nonlinearity and linear parameter varying systems will be investigated. The results will be validated on a real time simulator of an electrical grid. Distributed controllers will be designed for distributed generation units that are connected to the electrical grid by electronic power converters. 

The ideal candidates should have a strong background in control systems, optimization and learning methods and an interest in developing novel theory and in control applications. The candidates should fill in the form provided by the doctoral school of EPFL in EDEE or EDRC program and send a copy to Prof. Alireza Karimi ([email protected] ).