PhD in Control and Stability of Nested Microgrids

Information about the division
The division of Electric Power Engineering is one of the five divisions within the department of Energy and Environment at Chalmers University of Technology. The division has a strong commitment in research and education with its tasks to develop new knowledge, combine it with experiments, and pass it on to the students and to the society. In this way, the division has been contributing to securing the international competitive position of Sweden as a whole. Our main research activities in the division are represented in four areas: (1) Power systems and grid-connected converters; (2) Renewable power and grid integration; (3) Electrical machines and drives; and (4) Electric vehicles and transport electrification.

Information about the research area and the project
This PhD student position is in collaboration with ABB Corporate Research Center in Sweden. The division at Chalmers has a solid knowledge and experience in the field of application of power electronics in power systems and renewable generation, while ABB has strong knowledge and experience in internationally competitive commercial solutions in microgrids. This project is to combine both parties’ competence and to conduct corresponding research to strengthen current and explore new knowledge and skills relevant for the Swedish society and industry.

The main aim of the project is to implement, analyse and quantify the impact of communication latency and failure on the control and stability of a low voltage microgrid and a medium voltage nested microgrid in a real time simulator. An additional aim is to dimension the size of energy storage needed to support the microgrid stability in the case of imperfect communication, as well as to provide black start capability.

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 also includes teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level or performing other departmental duties up to 20% of working hours. You are expected to write a licentiate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 5 years.

Position summary
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring research environment in the vibrant city of Gothenburg. We offer a full-time temporary employment with an internationally competitive salary including benefits like paid vacation (~28 days of vacation depending on age), parental leave, health insurance etc. 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. 

If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

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

Application deadline: 30 December, 2016

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor, Peiyuan Chen, Division of Electric Power Engineering, peiyuan@chalmers.se, +46 772 1639
Professor, Massimo Bongiorno, Division of Electric Power Engineering, massimo.bongiorno@chalmers.se, +46 772 1631


*** 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!