PhD student - Beyond the concept of Virtual Synchronous Machine control

Information about the research/the project/the division
The aim of this project is to propose and investigate control solutions for grid-connected converters for fulfilment of the next generation of grid codes for integration of renewable energy sources. In particular, the focus will be on the development of control strategies that allow to combine the robustness of the Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) control with the excellent dynamic performance and ability to ride-through faults that are typical of the classical cascade control. Depending on the specific properties of the grid at the connection point and on the grid requirements, different control solutions will be investigated, and their performance will be evaluated both under normal operations and when the converter enters into limitation. The need for information from remote measurements and control coordination between selected converters connected to the power systems will be investigated. Depending on the specific functionalities for the power systems to be implemented, the impact of the developed control strategies on the converter requirements will also be evaluated. 

The project will be carried out at Chalmers University in collaboration with relevant industrial partners, such as ABB Power Grids and Svenska Kraftnät (Swedish Transmission System Operator). 

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to purse your own doctoral education. You are expected to be an independent researcher and to develop your own scientific knowledge and skills and communicate the results of your research orally and in writing. The position comprises both theoretical modelling as well as practical experimental parts. The position is limited to five years and will normally include 15-20% departmental work, typically as lab assistant and exercise leader of different courses. 

You are expected to write a licentiate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 5 years.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To be qualified the applicant must have a Master’s degree or equivalent in Electric Power Engineering, with an emphasis on power systems and power electronics. Good ability to cooperate is a prerequisite together with the ability to focus on issues. Excellent writing and communication skills in English are required. The skill to conduct teaching in Swedish is an advantage.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200120 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15th of April, 2020



For questions, please contact:
Professor, Massimo Bongiorno, Division of Electric Power Engineering,
massimo.bongiorno@chalmers.se
+46 31 772 1631



Dr. Mebtu Beza, Division of Electric Power Engineering,
mebtu.beza@chalmers.se 
+46 31 772 1617

Information about the department
At the department of Electrical Engineering we value all our co-workers and we know that a variety of personalities and experiences makes the most creative workplaces. We therefore encourage applicants with any genders, backgrounds and abilities.

Our overall ambition is to contribute to a sustainable future. We aim to create a positive impact on the development of society, both environmentally, socially and economically. Research and education are performed in the areas of Communication and Antenna systems, Systems and Control, Computer vision, Signal processing, Biomedical engineering and Electric Power Engineering. Our knowledge is of use everywhere where there is advanced technology with integrated electronics, no matter if it involves electricity, electrical signals, optical signals or microwaves. The department is a dynamic and international work environment with about 200 employees from more than 20 countries. We collaborate closely with both national and international academia, industry and medical researchers.


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Building Futures, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!