In contrast to conventional internal combustion engines, electric traction vehicles offer a more environmentally friendly solution for mitigating global warming. Due to their high power density, permanent-magnet-based electrical machines are commonly used in electric vehicles. However, these machines have several disadvantages, such as the high cost of the permanent-magnet (PM) material and decreased performance at higher temperatures. Specifically, the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles, such as agricultural tractors, requires a large amount of rare-earth material to satisfy the high-torque demand. One of the strong candidates for PM-free high-torque electrical drive is the variable flux reluctance machine (VFRM) because of its robust and cost-effective structure. There is a high demand for a comprehensive exploration of motor control techniques applied to high-torque VFRMs in order to enable high-performance PM-free electrical drive solutions for heavy-duty applications. Therefore, the aim is to experimentally investigate optimal control algorithms to control VFRMs using a VFRM and its driver prototypes. In addition to the experimental studies, a complete simulation framework will be developed, including both the VFRM model and the voltage-excited power electronics model. This PhD trajectory focuses on the performance improvements of VFRMs using various control algorithms.
The work will demand the following affinities:
Your findings will also contribute to the active projects within the EPE group and TU/e research institutes (HTSC - https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-areas/high-tech-systems and EAISI-Responsible Mobility https://www.tue.nl/en/research/institutes/eindhoven-artificial-intelligence-systems-institute/) as possible input for the use-cases relevant with electrical drives in high-tech and mobility. Besides the research, you will also contribute to education within the department.
About the EPE group
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is a world-leading research university specializing in engineering, science, and technology. Within the Department of Electrical Engineering, Electromechanics and Power Electronics (EPE) group has one of the most advanced electromechanics and power electronics laboratories in the Netherlands, shown in Fig. 1. It contains state-of-the-art facilities for testing and validation of electromechanical and power electronics systems. The EPE group consists of two full professors, two associate professors, and eight assistant professors, several postdocs, about 30 PhD candidates, and technical support staff. The EPE group has been one of the leading institutes in researching electrical mobility with specialized, unconventional, high-performance electromechanical actuation systems for transport applications. In order to keep pushing the envelope of the physical limits of these mechatronic systems to meet and realize the ever-increasing various industrial and societal demands, we have adopted a multi-physical, multi-disciplinary research philosophy, in which we have not shunned to start and successfully realize ambitious and radical research projects.
We are looking for candidates matching the following profile:
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:
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.
Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, dr. Doga Ceylan, d.ceylan@tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact 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 button.Applications should include the following files in pdf format separately:
A selection of applications will be invited for job interviews. During the interviews, the applicant(s) will be asked to present their portfolio, and defend her/his research plans.
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.
Keywords:
Electric mobility, heavy-duty applications, reluctance machines, PMless machines, multi-physics modeling, electrical drive.