PhD in Modelling, control and stability assessment of converter-rich power plants in tomorrow’s power systems - DTU Wind

Are you a talented, self-motivated, and team-oriented person, who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working with complex topics? We seek a PhD student to join a world-leading research environment and contribute to the development of converter-rich power plants, which are expected to play a major role in tomorrow’s power systems. You will join an international team of PhD students and postdocs that, together with other academic staff and industrial partners, develop tools and models for simulating and assessing the dynamic performance and stability of such power plants.

Responsibilities and qualifications

You are expected to carry out high-quality research at the intersection of renewable-energy technologies, power systems, power electronics, and control systems, both from a theoretical/analytical point of view and through experimental/laboratory work. You will develop frequency-domain and (EMT) time-domain models for converter-rich power plants, considering different grid-forming/-following/-supporting control approaches (including hybrid-control converter schemes). You will also assess the performance and capabilities of such power plants in complying with grid code requirements (present and future) and providing grid services (such as blackstart). Moreover, you will assess the stability of such power plants in tomorrow’s systems using frequency-domain criteria and will explore possible methods for tuning the controls to ensure stability.

You will be part of a dynamic work environment with a pleasant team atmosphere, where you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your academic, industrial, and personal skills. Besides cutting-edge research, PhD students are given the opportunity to collaborate with industry, be teaching assistants in relevant courses, and co-supervise BSc and MSc students, which allows them to develop the necessary skills for the next stages of their careers. 

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. The degree should be in the field of electrical engineering, control engineering, power electronics, or similar.

You must have experience with:

• Modelling, control, and simulation of converter-interfaced renewable-energy resources
• Power system dynamics
• Programming languages and software tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, PSCAD, etc.

You must also possess:

• Excellent command of the English language
• Good ability to present results in oral presentations and prepare scientific papers for publication in international journals

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education

. 

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The position is a full-time position, and the period of employment is 3 years. The desired starting date is the 1st of December 2024 or earlier.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Researcher Oscar Saborío-Romano (osrodtu.dk

).

You can read more about the 

Department of Wind and Energy Systems at https://wind.dtu.dk

. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark

. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar

” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 

the 31 August 2024 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file

containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now" (“Ansøg nu”), fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file

. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• One page research statement
• BSc/MSc diplomas and grade transcripts (in English), including official description of grading scales

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

The assessment of applications will start before the application deadline.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Division for Power and Energy Systems of the Department of Wind and Energy Systems

provides cutting-edge research in sustainable, reliable and cost-efficient energy systems to the benefit of society. The Department of Wind and Energy Systems aims at taking the renewable energy technology and its integration to the energy systems to the next level. Its goal is to create an impact for people and society through research and innovation and collaborate with the entire energy sector to develop the most effective technology on the planet. At the Department, you will enjoy the advantages of a creative and inspiring work environment shared with about 400 highly skilled and motivated colleagues.

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.