PhD on Highly Robust High-Power AC-DC Converter for Green Hydrogen Production

Introduction

Green hydrogen has a central role in enabling the global energy transition, and the technologies related to it must develop quickly according to new market needs. One of these technologies is the AC–DC power electronics used to provide DC power to the electrolysis system. Even though the rectifier is a well-established system in high-power applications, the state-of-the-art technology is based on IGBT semiconductors with limited switching frequency. The new wideband gap semiconductors, like the Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs, allow the rectifier to operate at higher frequencies, resulting in highly efficient and smaller systems (reduced footprint). Nevertheless, the higher operation of such devices poses new challenges in terms of protection, which are still unsolved. Unlike IGBT, wideband gap devices cannot withstand short-circuit currents for enough time until the actuation of the protection. Therefore, new protection schemes must be proposed in order to make the wideband gap-based rectifier robust enough for industry standards.

To address these challenges, we are looking for a motivated PhD candidate interested in working on advanced protection strategies for active front-end rectifier and innovative fault-tolerant topologies.

Job Description

The PhD will be part of the IMPROvE project: Industrial monitoring and protection with power microelectronics. The project aims to develop a highly robust rectifier for electrolysis applications, with a focus on advanced protection strategies and innovative fault-tolerant circuit topologies. The research will address faults from the component level to the system level. Initially, fault detection techniques at the semiconductor level will be explored, particularly for wide bandgap devices, leading to the development of a comprehensive fault identification and isolation scheme. In parallel, new power electronic topologies will be investigated to propose a novel fault-tolerant rectifier design. At the system level, the project will also explore fault detection and isolation in parallel power electronics systems. Besides, the proposed solution should be implemented and validated experimentally in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed protection schemes and rectifier topologies under realistic fault scenarios.

Besides research, you will also contribute to education within the department. Apart from supervising BSc and MSc students in their research projects, other assistance in education, e.g. in bachelor courses, is also expected. The overall load usually amounts to around 10% of your contract time.

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.

Job Requirements

• A MSc degree in Electrical Engineering or any other relevant program.
• Strong background in power electronics (specially AC-DC converters, grid connected and multilevel converters).
• Hands-on experience with prototypes (PCB design, implementation, and experimental verification) is highly desirable.
• Experience with control design, fault-tolerant converter and protection mechanism for power electronics is a plus.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Enthusiasm and motivation to work on highly challenging research topics.

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.
• 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.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region 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.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Dr. Levy Costa (l.costa@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services (hrservices.ee@tue.nl).

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

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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 two references.

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.