Job Description
The decommissioning of fossil-fuel generation and increasing integration of power-electronics-based renewable resources, the application of HVDC, and storage devices, resulted in scenarios leading to power system oscillations with a broad frequency spectrum, decreased system strength, and low inertia. It raises important questions on how the system will deal with such a new normal that may easily lead to emergency situations resulting from overload, (under/over)voltage, and angle variations.
Electrical power systems operate close to their stability limits which can be easliy exceeded with uncontrolled line overload. Thermal conductor limit is a crucial factor that determines the network capacity. Therefore, nowadays Dynamic Line Rating technology is applied and facilitated by widespread testing dealing with sensor-based and sensor-less current-, temperature-, and/or voltage sag measurements of the loading and weather conditions.
In this project, the critical aspects will be investigated concerning the uncertainty of electricity supply resulting from the wind-, solar, and other forms of energy leading to different emergency situations. To ensure the dynamic ampacity of the lines, dynamic system rating is needed, and is beneficial for the control of optimal power flows. This will be realized by making a system of small zones and applying edge intelligence to secure the power ratings. The project will provide comprehensive insight and solutions for optimal and stable power system operation by applying synchrophasor's monitoring, the data of which will be used for developing algorithms to reduce stability risks and increase transport capacity. The results will be validated by real-time measurements and RTDS simulations. Throughout the project, you will develop a unique skill set in power system protection, dynamic grid monitoring, and interdisciplinary research-preparing you for a successful career in academia or industry.
The project is financed by industry and it is in the scope of the Power System Protection Centre (www.tudelft.nl/pspc) with TSO TenneT and General Electric Vernova on board.
The research in the Department of Electrical Sustainable Energy is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:
- DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
- Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
- Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
- High Voltage Technologies (HVT)
The department owns a large ESP Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection and wide-area monitoring and protection.You'll be part of a diverse and passionate team of academic staff, PhD candidates, and postdocs in the IEPG Section. We value open discussions, sharing ideas, and collaborating regularly to advance our understanding of computer engineering. You'll also receive comprehensive training to support your growth as a scientist.
The Intelligent Electrical Power Grid (IEPG) group, headed by Professor Peter Palensky, works on the future of our power system. The goal is to generate, transmit and use electrical energy in a highly reliable, efficient, stable, clean, affordable, and safe way. IEPG integrates new power technologies and smart controls, which interact with other systems and allow for more distributed and variable generation.
Job requirements
An MSc degree in Electrical Power Engineering. A strong emphasis on electrical power systems dealing with power system protection, wide area monitoring applications related to system protection. Comprehensive knowledge in:
- Electrical power system operation and system integrity protection schemes
- Affinity with programming.
- Mastering EMT-based software tools.
- Knowledge and mastering RTDS is a strong benefit to this project.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent writing skills.
- Excellent English skills. The minimum requirement of a TOEFL score of 100 IELTS of 7.0 per sub-skill (writing, reading, listening, speaking) applies to all candidates wanting to pursue a PhD at TU Delft.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment - which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.
Additional information
Application procedure
- a cover letter that details your motivation and fit to the job requirements,
- your CV with scientific publications with a list of (academic and/or industry) references that we can contact,
- a list of grades of your qualifying degrees (BSc, MSc),
- if available, the thesis or another sample of your technical writing. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
The deadline for applications is April 27th at 23:59 CET. The candidates will be screened as the applications arrive and the promissing candidates will be shortlisted and contacted before the closing of this post.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
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You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
- For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Het salaris bedraagt €2901 - €3707