1 PhD position on Dynamic Cable Rating

1 PhD position on Dynamic Cable Rating

Do you want to speed up the energy transition by increasing the effective usage of cable networks?

Position

PhD-student

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

FTE

1,0

Date off

16/03/2023

Reference number

V36.6310

Job description

​​​​​​University of Technology (TU/e), h is one of Europe's top technological universities, situated at the heart of a most innovative high- tech region, with a wealth of collaborations with industry and academic institutes. In 2017, TU/e was ranked 15th in Europe in the Times Higher Educational World University ranking for Engineering and Technology. TU/e has around 3,000 employees and 2,300 PhD students (half of which international, representing about 70 nationalities).

The envisioned research is part of the Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group of TU/e. Within the EES group research is conducted on the different aspects of electrical energy systems, such as intelligent energy systems, planning and operation of power systems, power cables, EMC and so on. The EES group has strong ties with industry and research institutes both nationally and internationally, with several part-time industry researchers working in the group and a large group of strategic collaboration partners.

Project Description

The energy transition results in a fast and large increase in loading of the electricity network. This results in more and more congestion on the network and as a result new customers cannot be connected to the network and the goals for CO2 reduction cannot be achieved. Therefore, network operators continuously investigate possibilities for more effective usage of the network. One promising solution is to control the loading of the network in a more dynamic way. In the Dutch context especially medium voltage cable networks are interesting. Therefore, the GEDYCAR (GEneric DYnamic CAble Rating) project is started, aiming at the development of a generic and optimized methodology for determining and controlling the loading of cable networks. This methodology should be implemented in the distribution management systems of the distribution network operators to make optimal use of the capacity of the network in order to avoid congestion problems and to make connection of new customers possible.

The project starts with gaining relevant knowledge, such that the project can take the latest relevant developments as a starting point. The next step is to develop a generic model that can be used for different types of cable. In order to develop this model, it has to be investigated which parameters have the largest influence on the (dynamic) rating of the cables, but also how future load profiles will look like and how they will affect the (dynamic) rating of the cables. In this step it will also be investigated how these profiles can be changed (by controlling load or generation, usage of flexibility in the network and so on) and how this can be used to optimize the loading of the cable. The final goal of this stage of the project is to develop a generic model of the dynamic loading of cables. This model will also be validated in practice. In the next stage the model will be used to optimize the usage of the network. A higher loading might result in faster degradation of equipment, a large chance on interruptions and so on. Therefore, the optimal balance between optimal usage of the network, reliability, network architecture and economic and societal costs and benefits has to be found. An optimization model will be developed to determine this balance. In the last stage of the project it has to be investigated how the model can be incorporated in the working processes and control centers of the network operators, such that network operators can control the loading of the network (for example by controlling generators, the usage of flexibility and so on) and to optimize the usage of the network.

The position is supervised by Dr. ir. J, Morren, Prof. dr. ir. J.G. Slootweg and Prof. dr. ir. P.C.J.M. van der Wielen.

Working Context

The PhD researcher will work in close collaboration with experts and researchers from the international consultancy company DNV and Dutch Distribution System Operators. The work will be a combination of theoretical modelling, laboratory testing, field testing as well as software development and operational system implementation.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated and pro-active candidate with very good English proficiency (have also Dutch language capabilities is strong additional advantage) . The candidate needs to have obtained a relevant master degree (preferably Electrical Engineering) with excellent grades. The candidates must have strong analytical skills, power engineering related measurement experience, knowledge about power systems and especially power cables and should be familiar with optimization techniques.

Your starting date would be as soon as possible!

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.

Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 27 (min. €2,541 max. €3,247).

A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.

High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self- aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.

An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.

An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.

A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands- on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

For more information about the position, please contact: Dr. Ir. J. Morren, email J.Morrenattue.nl Prof. Dr. Ir. J.G. Slootweg, email J.G.Slootwegattue.nl Prof. Dr. Ir. P.C.J.M. van der Wielen, email P.C.J.M.v.d.wielenattue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.Fluxattue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page. Submit at least the following information (only pdf files are accepted):

Cover letter, including availability (starting date), and statement of interests.

Curriculum vitae, including full education and employment histories, publication record, proof of proficiency in English, and the names of at least three references that can be contacted.

Scans of certificates showing BSc, MSc, and other courses followed, with grades and rankings.

Up to two selected publications (e.g. MSc thesis, conference paper) in English of which you are the first or main author.

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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