PhD Advanced Power Stack for High Power Application

Functieomschrijving

This Ph.D. position aims to develop feasible solutions for designing power electronic stacks for high-power applications.

The power stack is a modular assembly of power electronic components commonly used in high-power and high-voltage applications. It consists of multiple layers of power semiconductor devices, gate drivers, and other supporting components that are connected in series and parallel configurations to create a power conversion system. The power stack design methodology aims at creating high-performance, reliable, and efficient power conversion systems. The design process of a power stack starts with topology and component selection, including the power semiconductor devices, gate drivers, auxiliary circuits, and passive components. Then, these components should be placed in a reasonable way to guide the design of the mechanical structure and achieve a balance between power density, cooling performance, and mechanical stresses, all of which can significantly impact the system's overall performance. Achieving this requires rich engineering experience, and typically, several rounds of design iterations are necessary to optimize the design, which is really time-consuming and expensive.

This position starts from the design methodology for a multi-physics power stack system and focuses on developing an optimization methodology for the power stack and finding a practical solution to achieve a semi-automatic or fully automatic design process based on customized demands and requirements. The objective is to enable the rapid and efficient development of high-performance power conversion systems.

The expected results of the Ph.D. project will be as follows

• Select power semiconductor modules, gate driver and protection, snubbers, DC link capacitors, and sensors from off-the-shelf products to meet the design specification.
• Key component design and optimization, such as the cooling system and busbar.
• Develop multiphysics models and algorithms to arrange the placement of components in power electronic stacks, realizing structure optimization.
• Finite element simulation verification.
• Manufacture and test the prototype based on design results.

Functie-eisen

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following requirements:

• You are a talented and enthusiastic young researcher.
• You have an MSc degree in electrical engineering or any other relevant program.
• You have theoretical and applied knowledge of multi-physics modeling, mechanical structure, and thermal design.
• You have experience in ANSYS/COMSOL multi-physics field coupling simulation.
• Experience in PCB design and high-power converter debugging is a big plus.
• You have good communicative skills, and the attitude to partake successfully in the work of a research team.
• You are creative and ambitious, hard-working, and persistent.
• You have a good command of the English language (Spoken and Written).

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

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 four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 27 (min. €2,541 max. €3,247).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Informatie en sollicitatie

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 Dr Dongsheng Yang (email: d.yang1[at]tue.nl) or Prof. Guus Pemen (email: A.J.M.Pemen[at]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[at]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.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
   

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.