Contributing to the EU-wide GHG emission reduction target, the Netherlands has committed to significantly increase the renewable electricity production from wind and solar to account for 70% of electricity supply by 2030. Offshore wind energy is to play a key role (22.5 GW offshore wind by 2030), and the electrolysis plant is often found co-locating with offshore wind landing points to minimize the steady-state power flow impact on the overall system integration cost. For large-scale green hydrogen electrolysis power plants, thyristor is applied in combination with passive filters and STATCOM to meet grid connection requirements. Such installations need a minimum short-circuit power to function properly and have no fault-ride-through capability in case of a disturbance. The short-circuit power needed must be supplied by the power grid. However, it is expected that a further increase of renewables in the energy mix in the Netherlands will reduce system strength (i.e. short circuit level) (green hydrogen, offshore wind, HVDC, and STATCOMs).

The overall objective of this project is to investigate the impact of GW-scale renewable hydrogen production on the Netherlands power system, focusing on the network fault-ride-through capability. Specifically, the following key aspects will be explored.

(1) Evaluation of fault ride through (FRT) capability of different power converter technologies ( voltage source converter, thyristor rectifier, diode rectifier) for hydrogen electrolyzers, and FRT enhancement methods.

(2) New methodology for assessing the fault-ride-through capability of the power system integrated with renewable hydrogen production.

(3) Fault-ride-through solution for the renewable hydrogen production system, including the HVDC transmission system and wind park.

• PhD in power electronics or any other relevant program.
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, demonstrated for instance by a relevant PhD 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.