Post Doc in Simulation of Power Electronic Transients in Modern Power Systems
Catholic University of Leuven Department of Electrical Engineering
Belgium

Responsibilities

Power electronic converters are seen as essential building blocks for the energy transition. Amongst others, they act as a gateway between traditional AC transmission systems and HVDC connections. Due to the combined impact of a large number of switch events, a large number of variables, and the detail demanded by industry, detailed simulation of power electronic transients with conventional EMT techniques currently poses a computational challenge, unless simplified models are used and accuracy is sacrificed. In this postdoc position, we aim at developing and investigating alternative modeling and solution techniques to overcome the associated bottlenecks, with a focus on MMC HVDC applications. The position is in close collaboration with the power electronics research team of prof. Johan Driesen at Electa, where novel numerical methods are investigated for simulation with power electronics.

For this position, we are looking for an ambitious postdoctoral candidate with a deep knowledge of EMT power systems modelling. As a postdoctoral researcher, your responsibilities will be to:

• actively engage in research and development of next-generation EMT simulation methods, with a focus on power system modelling with power electronics,
• present results in the scientific community and towards industry,
• develop relevant benchmark use cases as leverage towards future projects,
• contribute to related research conducted in the group through (co-) supervision of junior researchers.

Profile

As the ideal candidate:

• You have obtained the PhD degree in electrical engineering or computer science, from a reputable institute.
• You have obtained outstanding scientific contributions during your PhD, e.g. shown through publications in relevant top academic journals.
• You have a solid background in power system and HVDC engineering, with a deep understanding of power system components and control system behavior.
• You are an expert in electromagnetic transient simulation with a focus on power electronics with control systems in the system (e.g. MMC HVDC and power electronic converters for renewable energy). A deep understanding of the underlying numerical algorithms used in EMT-type software is considered a plus.
• You have sufficient computing programming skills to assist a software developer or to program scripts and algorithms in a scientific context (in Julia or similar languages like Python, Matlab, Fortran or C++).
• You are communicative and motivated to work in a team with activities centered on HVDC systems and to assist in supporting the work of junior experts in the research team.
• You are able to communicate fluently in English, both orally and in writing.
• You are willing to occasionally travel in the framework of the postdoctoral project.

Offer

We offer an exciting job in one of the leading research institutes in the field. HVDC technology is receiving significant attention from both academia and industry. This postdoctoral project allows you to work on a highly timely research topic:

• in an inspiring research environment, within an international team of enthusiastic colleagues,
• with state-of-the-art infrastructure (http://www.energyville.be),
• where you can engage in research collaborations and participate at international conferences and be involved in expert groups,
• with different projects for industry and in public R&D projects, with industry involvement.

We offer a full-funded post-doc position with multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure andsports facilities, etc.).

Working location: Genk, Belgium (EnergyVille).

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Jef Beerten, tel.: +32 16 32 10 39, mail: jef.beerten@esat.kuleuven.be.

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