PostDoc; Network Harmonics Impact Analysis of GW Scale Renewable Hydrogen System

Position (Post-doctoral) Researcher

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Electrical Engineering

FTE 1,0

Date off 22/09/2024

Reference number V36.7679

Job description

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), provided that a holistic energy system design based on system integration can be realized to spare expensive grid expansion costs because of offshore wind power infeed, and to avoid excessive volatility in the energy balancing mechanisms, caused by intermittency and possible forecast errors of offshore wind power output. In addition to the structure energy and power balancing challenges introduced by intermittent renewable sources, power quality in terms of voltage supply and power system stability cannot be overlooked. The Dutch Grid Code sets requirements for voltage quality.

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. Aside from the steady-state benefit of co-locating renewable with green hydrogen production, the dynamic impact of such configuration on the overall system performance cannot be overlooked. The overall objective of this project is to investigate the renewable hydrogen production system integration impact on the Dutch Transmission System, focusing on the quality of voltage supply and system stability. Specifically, the following key aspects will be explored.

(1)  Modeling of harmonic emission generated by different power converter technologies( voltage source converter, thyristor rectifier, diode rectifier) for hydrogen electrolyzers, considering varying operating conditions depending on the renewable generation, and different grid strength.

(2) New methodology for analyzing the dynamic assessment of risk level of grid-following VSC-based converter or LCC-based converter power grid integration.

(3) Corrective measures to comply with the connection requirements to safeguard long-term grid security of supply.

Job requirements

• 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 grid-following converter/LCC-based converter modeling and large-scale power electronics system analysis.
• Have a forward-thinking mindset, and is ambitious to push the cutting edge of the power system analysis methodology.
• 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.

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 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.

Information and application

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), Jeroen van Waes (j.v.waes@tue.nl)

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.