PhD scholarship in Control Systems for Next-Generation Variable-Speed Drives - DTU Wind

This PhD project’s objective is to propose and demonstrate methods that allow the efficient integration of LC filters into electric drives for pumps, fans, compressors and other assets. You will work closely with electric drive manufacturers and system operators.
Do you want to be involved in the green energy transition? Do you wish to contribute to the development of energy efficiency within the green transition agenda and are you looking for a career in R&D or academia? Then we have a great opportunity!

We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate with a master’s degree in STEM disciplines to join us as a PhD scholar.

We offer a multidisciplinary, international, and friendly atmosphere, encouraging creativity, diversity, empathy, and teamwork. You will have a great opportunity to build strong networks with internationally known researchers at DTU and other universities as well as industrial partners.

You will be affiliated with the Section on E-mobility and Prosumer Integration in the Division of Power and Energy Systems. Collaboration with neighboring sections is encouraged. The Section on E-mobility and Prosumer Integration undertakes internationally leading research and teaching in the field of EV technologies, charging infrastructure and flexibility, advanced power electronics, battery energy systems and hybrid AC-DC systems. The research in this section is multidisciplinary and the team is currently formed by 35 researchers from 15 different countries.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This PhD position is connected to the ECO-Drive project, which aims to unlock the flexibility and significantly improve the efficiency of motor systems by overcoming the barriers to cost-effectively retrofitting motor applications with variable speed drive (VSD) power converters. Despite the well-recognized benefits of VSDs in reducing energy consumption and enhancing motor performance, approximately 80% of electric motors globally still operate without them due to current constraints to integrate them.

The ECO-Drive project introduces an innovative approach to integrate Silicon-Carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices and harmonic filters directly into VSD hardware. This integration will reduce costs, simplify retrofitting, and eliminate the need for shielded cables, inverter-duty motors, and bulky external filters. The resulting plug-and-play ECO-Drive will deliver clean sinusoidal outputs, enhanced IoT connectivity, and advanced data processing capabilities, setting a new standard in energy efficiency and user-friendly VSD technology.

The focus of this PhD position is to develop advanced control algorithms for these next-generation VSDs, ensuring robust performance and seamless integration into diverse motor applications. You will address key challenges such as minimizing electromagnetic interference, optimizing energy efficiency through innovative control and modulation techniques, and enabling modularized drive designs through parallelization. The controls will be performed in DTU’s Smart converter Lab. You will work closely with globally leading electric drives manufacturers and system operator at Bornholm island.

Your primary tasks will be:

• Plan and manage your PhD project in collaboration with supervisors.
• Define controlling algorithms for electric drives (knowledge about DSPs and power converter hardware are advantageous).
• Test controlling functionality in a state-of-the art real-time experimental facility.
• Assess the impact of new control algorithms on the overall efficiency of the electric drives with integrated LC filter.
• Estimate the economic profitability of delivering the grid services with the electric drive assets.

A detailed project plan will be developed with the supervisors within the first two months after enrolment.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) in STEMS, with a preference in engineering, statistics, physics, mathematics, informatics or similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a master’s degree.

You should preferably have:

• Excellent grades in your master program
• Dedication and the desire to learn
• Good programming skills (e.g., MATLAB and/or Python)
• Ability to work effectively with data and applied statistics
• Ability to present results in technical reports and prepare scientific papers
• Ability to work in a project team and take responsibility for own research goals
• Fluent in communicating and reporting in English
• Previous experience on DSP programming is advantageous
• Knowledge of power converters and drive hardware is advantageous
• Basic knowledge of control theory is advantageous

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 period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information about the academic content may be obtained from Professor Tomislav Dragičević ([email protected]), and Head of Section for E-Mobility and Prosumer Integration, Associate Professor Mattia Marinelli ([email protected]).

You can read more about DTU Wind and Energy Systems AT www.vindenergi.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 15 February 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Kindly note that the selected candidate is expected to begin at the latest in May 2025.

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Curriculum vitae
• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A 1-page overview (in bullet points) of relevant experience (if any), and a 1-page project proposal that aligns with the job opening. Include your project's objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and sources of information.

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.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Wind and Energy Systems is one of the world’s largest centers of wind energy and energy systems research and knowledge, with a staff of more than 400 people from 37 countries working in research, innovation, research-based consulting and education. DTU Wind and Energy Systems has approximately 90 PhD students. The department’s cross-disciplinary research is organized through strategic research programmes that collaborate with Danish and international universities, research institutions and organizations, as well as the wind industry.

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.

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