Pioneering Self-Sufficient Renewable Energy Systems

Are you ready to drive innovation in renewable hydrogen production systems? Join our team to develop advanced methodologies for large-signal stability analysis and control, enabling self-sufficient operation of grid-forming renewable hydrogen systems under dynamic grid conditions.

Job Description

As the Netherlands moves toward its ambitious goal of 70% renewable electricity by 2030, renewable hydrogen systems play a vital role in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. These systems, powered by grid-forming power converters, aim to operate autonomously while reducing dependence on external grid support. Achieving self-sufficiency in renewable hydrogen systems under large disturbances is essential for their scalability and resilience in the evolving energy landscape.

This postdoc position focuses on advancing the large-signal stability analysis and enhancement of grid-forming renewable hydrogen systems, enabling robust, independent operation. Your research will address the dynamic challenges of maintaining stability and performance in these systems, ensuring their reliability as a cornerstone of the sustainable energy future.

Key Contributions:

• Dynamic Modeling for Self-Sufficient Systems: Develop dynamic analytical models of grid-forming hydrogen systems to assess their large-signal stability and autonomous operation under various scenarios.
• Large-Signal Stability Analysis: Investigate the design-oriented large-scale stability analysis methodologies to guarantee stable operation of grid-forming hydrogen system during large disturbances, such as grid voltage dips, rapid changing of renewable generation, various dc and ac faults and transients, etc.
• Control Strategy Development: Design and implement innovative grid-forming control strategies to enhance the self-sufficiency and stability of renewable hydrogen systems without reliance on grid support.
• Simulation and Experimental Validation: Use EMT-based simulation tools and experimental setups to validate your models and control solutions, ensuring real-world applicability.

• PhD in power electronics or any other relevant program.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, demonstrated for instance by a relevant Ph.D. thesis and/or publication(s).
• Experience in EMT simulation technology for large-scale power electronics system (LCC-based converter, VSC-based converter, and STATCOM), and fault-ride-through solutions for large-scale power systems.
• Have a forward-thinking mindset, and is ambitious to push the cutting edge of the fault-ride-through solution for the large-scale power system with renewable hydrogen production.
• Excellent mastering of the English language, good communication and leadership skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.
• Be a team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary context.

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 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,020 max. €5,278).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

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. 

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Dongsheng Yang (d.yang1@tue.nl), Yin Sun (Yin.Sun@shell.com)

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, HRServices.flux@tue.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. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position (max 1 page).
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• A research statement (max 2 pages).
• List of five self-selected 'best publications'.

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.