Multilevel power converters emerge as a promising solution for electrolyzer applications, offering enhanced power quality and efficiency. However, existing multilevel topologies primarily serve as high-power motor drives operating in inverter mode (DC to AC), highlighting the need for novel converter topologies optimized for rectifier mode (AC to DC) operation at low switching frequencies to meet the specific requirements of hydrogen production. The primary objective of this research is to develop advanced multilevel power converter topologies optimized for rectifier mode operation in hydrogen production via water electrolysis. The research aims to address the shortcomings of existing converter technologies by increasing power density, enhancing power quality, reducing voltage ripples, and improving overall system efficiency. Additionally, the research seeks to design associated controllers and switching techniques tailored to the dynamic characteristics of the grid, ensuring seamless integration and compatibility.

This is a four-year doctoral position. You will be jointly supervised by Dr. Hani Vahedi (assistant professor) and Prof. Pavol Bauer (chair of the DCE&S group).

 About the department

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 DC Systems, Energy Conversion, and Storage (DCE&S) group is responsible for research and education in the fields of DC systems, high voltage technology, energy storage, power electronics conversion, and electromechanics. DC systems is a multidisciplinary field of research exploring the integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage (electric vehicles) in DC networks and systems. The department has a large ESP lab with state-of-the-art equipment to facilitate the designing and testing of innovative ideas in the field.

To be considered for this PhD position you should have:

• A Master’s degree in Electric Engineering.
• Knowledge and interest in power electronic converters and DC power systems.
• Experience in hardware design and implementation.
• Skills in real-time simulations with Opal-RT or Plecs devices is an asset.
• Appreciation of teamwork, good social skills, and the ability to function in international circles.
• A curiosity-driven mindset, the ability to learn new things and a passion for (doing) research.
• Good English language and communication skills (written and oral) in order to closely cooperate with colleagues and students as well as write project documents.

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.

Fixed-term contract: 4 year.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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.

From 1 September next, a salary increase of 3.7% applies due to a Collective Agreement amendment, followed by an additional 1% increase on 1 January 2025. 
In addition, most employees employed on 1 September 2024 will receive a one-off payment of €300 gross based on full-time employment.

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.

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.