Electrical power systems are changing their conventional structure which considers dispatchable synchronous generators and unpredictable load demand. The increasing share of power inverter-based resources (IBRs, such as PV, wind power, BESS), and complex demand resources (EVs, H2, datacentres, heat pumps, other converter-interfaced loads) orients system operators’ interests to the dynamic security of the power system. The Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA) is a large synchronous electrical grid, historically considered resilient to frequency disturbances. Nevertheless, system splits are quite severe events in which the system faces major challenges to avoid a black-out in either of the islands, as could be seen during two recent events that occurred in 2021.

As the renewable trends are only expected to continue, it is necessary to future-proof the grid for more severe frequency excursions in low-inertia situations in order to minimize the risk of cascading faults, frequency instability, and potential blackouts. Developing novel and advanced emergency load control and shedding algorithms, able to operate rapidly and effectively in low-inertia power systems and scenarios, can contribute to arresting the frequency deviation, and consequently ensuring that the system preserves the integrity and stability. The project comprises two main objectives.

The first one is to extensively study and evaluate the impact of evolving generation and demand on the frequency stability of CESA and NL grids. This will include renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and BESS, as well as novel types of demand such as electric vehicles (EVs), heat pumps, hydrogen electrolyzers, datacentres, and other converter-integrated loads. The effect of a variety of operating scenarios of interest will be analysed, particularly focusing on large system events that may cause system disintegration, cascading faults, and blackouts. These may include large loss of synchronous and non-synchronous generation, critical transmission corridors loss or short-circuit (HVAC and HVDC), and unplanned disconnections. Furthermore, system split events will be of interest as well, as these are expected to pose the highest threat to overall CESA frequency stability.

The second objective of the project is to determine system needs and possibilities in terms of novel and advanced load control and shedding strategies in the NL and CESA grids.

Advanced algorithms are to be developed and comprehensively tested, in order to mitigate the previously-discussed challenges. The developed solutions may use advanced measurement devices available in the Netherlands (SASsensors and synchrophasors, and may also utilize real-time inertia measurement, RoCoF).

Essentials:

• An MSc degree in a field with a strong emphasis on computer science, modelling and algorithms. Relevant mathematical frameworks include simulation modelling, optimization theory, co-simulation, multi-scale modelling, complex system theory, control theory, operations research.
• Knowledge of the energy field is desirable.
• Affinity with programming.
• Good analytical and problem solving 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.    

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 years.

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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.

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.

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 Electrical Sustainable Energy Department provides expertise in these areas throughout the entire energy system chain. 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.

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.