PhD in Impact of Shock Events on the Reliability of Electric Power Conversion Systems

Introduction

Electric power conversion systems are increasingly common in medium-voltage (MV) power grids due to the rise of high-power renewable energy sources and electrified loads. Since current semiconductor devices lack sufficient blocking-voltage capability, modular circuit architectures are typically used in MV-connected converter applications. These systems consist of building blocks such as power transformers, power electronic converters, protection systems, filters, and reactive power compensation circuits. These technologies are key to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. However, their long-term social and environmental impacts, including the generated electrical and electronic waste at the end of life, have been largely overlooked.

To reduce the environmental impact of these systems, designs should enable circular-economy strategies like reuse, remanufacturing, and repurposing. Developing reliability assessment models is essential to achieve circular, serviceable energy conversion systems. Generally, their remaining useful life can be estimated from condition-monitoring data or degradation models based on typical load profiles. Most studies focus on degradation due to thermomechanical wear-out during normal operation, but changes in lifetime caused by shock events remain understudied.

Job Description

The PhD candidate will focus on systematically identifying, modeling, and quantifying the effects of shock events on the reliability of electric power conversion systems. The objective is to develop assessment methodologies that enhance these systems' compatibility with circular economy strategies, enabling informed decisions regarding their reuse, remanufacturing, and repurposing.

This project consists of researching electric power conversion systems while:

• identifying the nature and frequency of shock events and their resulting stresses;
• investigating qualitative and quantitative effects of shock events using a physics-based approach verified both analytically and experimentally;
• developing physics-based and stochastic models for predicting the remaining lifetime, which combine both degradation due to normal operation and shock events.
• developing circuit topologies for fault containment or sensing systems to forecast the occurrence of shock events and prevent them by control.
  
  

Job Requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical and/or Power Engineering.
• A very strong analytical background, with solid mathematical and multi-physics knowledge.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities for power electronics and electromechanical systems with demonstrated hands-on experience
• Ability to independently organize your own work, to solve problems, to cooperate, and to achieve desirable goals.
• Strong curiosity for scientific challenges and creativity in solving practical problems.
• Excellent scientific writing skills, preferably proven with peer-reviewed publications.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
  
  

Conditions of Employment

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 four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) group is one of the nine research groups of the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e. The group is the main center for research in electromechanical power conversion and power electronics in the Netherlands. The research aligns with the three main strategic research themes of Eindhoven University of Technology, i.e., Energy, Health, and Smart Mobility. The EPE group's four research tracks are high-tech motion systems and robotics, power electronics systems, smart mobility, and advanced modeling. Furthermore, the group is one of the founders of the High Tech Systems Center, where all mechatronic knowledge from TU/e will be consolidated.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring managers, Francesca Grazian (f.grazian@tue.nl) and Calina Ciuhu (c.ciuhu@tue.nl), assistant professors in the EPE group in the Electrical Engineering department.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services EE at HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

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 button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.