Postdoc on optimized power converter for offshore wind power to hydrogen

Job description

The development of optimal design strategies for large-scale hydrogen integration with different power grid network configurations and power conversion technologies is essential for maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing costs. A postdoc research project at TU/e is proposed, focused on the hardware design of new DC power electronics to significantly reduce its weight while maintaining high efficiency. Moreover, the study will also investigate interactions between the power electronics and the electrolyzers, and propose a new control of DC power electronics to minimize the life-time degradation of electrolyzers caused by the flexible operations. The optimal design of the power electronics converter with advanced control designed by TU/e will be tested with electrolyzers from HET.

The overall objective of this project is to develop the efficient power electronics converters for large-scale offshore windfarm applications . Specifically, the following key aspects will be explored.

1. Investigation of different dc converter topologies and control algorithms for the offshore wind power to hydrogen applications.
2. Advanced topologies and optimal control of high-power medium voltage DC/DC converter to minimize the life-time degradation of electrolyzers.
3. Integration and testing of the power converter with 25 kW high-pressure (100 bar) electrolyzer stacks

Job requirements

• Ph.D. 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).
• Extensive experience in high-power power electronics converter design and implementation.
• Have a forward-thinking mindset, and is ambitious to push the cutting edge of the power electronics technologies for hydrogen applications.
• 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 with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for 18 months.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs for research and valorization,  professional development courses for PhD students, and didactical courses of the TEACH training program.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €3,877 max. €5,090).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• 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

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact Dr. Dongsheng Yang (d.yang1@tue.nl), Prof. Koen Kok (j.k.kok@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, email HRServices.Flux@tue.n.

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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.