PhD Position: Solid-State Transformers for Medium Voltage Applications

KU Leuven, located in Belgium, is among the top European universities, ranked as the top university in the Reuters ranking of Europe's most innovative universities. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, international university that performs both basic and applied research. It is a highly interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary institution focused and committed to international excellence. KU Leuven actively works on this together with its research partners at home and abroad. The university offers an academic education that is based on scientific research of high quality.
At the the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), within the research unit of Electrical Energy Systems and Applications (ELECTA), several PhD students and post-docs are working on modelling and on applications of power electronics. We currently have a PhD position available in EnergyVille, located in Genk, in collaboration with KU Leuven campus Diepenbeek

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Project

The goal of the research project is to investigate innovative topologies of Solid-State Transformers (SST) for Medium Voltage (MV) applications. The goal is to develop new solutions with improved efficiency, power density, controllability, and reliability.

Different technological areas can take advantage of these innovative architectures, including EV chargers, renewable energy source generation, electrified traction, data centres, smart grid and smart cities.

The research will consider AC, DC and hybrid AC/DC conversion systems, including multi-port conversion.

Specific attention will be dedicated to modular architectures and to the utilization of wide band-gap semiconductor devices operating at medium/high switching frequencies.

The activities of this project will include:

• Modelling, analysis and comparative assessment of different modular converter topologies for future MV-SST
• Development of ad-hoc modulation and control techniques for the SST modules
• Development of optimized power flow control through the entire modular SST
• Realization of Real-Time Hardware-In-the-Loop (RT-HIL) systems for the validation of the developed algorithms
• Experimental validation on laboratory prototypes

Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and communicative researcher with a Master's degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related fields, with strong overall marks.

The candidate should have a strong interest in energy, with knowledge in modelling, analysis and control of power electronics systems, and with experience with software programming and experimental setups. Strong motivation and ability to conduct individual research are musts.

Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS, LTSpice and similar simulation software are highly valued.

Programming experience in C/C++ and VHDL/Verilog are also useful for the profile of the candidate.

The applicant should also have good English communication skills, possibly supported by official proficiency certification.

Offer

The successful candidate will be offered a PhD fellowship to become part of our team to work towards a PhD.

This full-time mandate has an initial duration of one year which can be prolonged depending on competitive financing successes. The final goal will be obtaining a Ph.D.after four years.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Andrea Cervone, mail:.andrea.cervone@kuleuven.be

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