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. €4,060 max. €5,331).
• 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.