PhD student position in energy-efficient ripple-reducing control of a PMSM

We are searching for a highly motivated PhD student eager to take part in the development of electric propulsion. By advancing the control and design of the E-machine-converter system, less resources need to be utilized in order to fulfill the propulsion task of the future.

Job description
In this project, the main goal is to develop methods and to investigate the possibility to mitigate torque ripple by means of converter control. Earlier results on mitigating torque ripple by rotor and stator design will be reviewed and also minor efforts can take place in order to improve these previous works. A key issue is to obtain a high efficiency as well as having a control that enables maximum torque of the electrical machine. If skewing can be omitted, this brings both cost, efficiency and performance improvements. The reduction of stator teeth forces is also within the scope of the projects, as well as a general target to reduce noise emission. The work contains both theory as well as experimental work. The project is conducted in close cooperation with Volvo cars as well as with Alstom, and the candidate might also do research work periods at these companies.

Main responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will conduct research supported by your academic and industrial supervisors. Developing and deriving theory models and control structures, preparing and conducting experiments as well as analysing the results are core work tasks. You will then publish your results in journals and present them at conferences. In addition to the research tasks you also have the possibility to take courses in subjects where you feel you need to deepen your subject knowledge. 

Teaching skill training is part of doctoral education at Chalmers. Therefore, teaching tasks are mandatory but vary greatly over the total employment period. Teaching tasks typically are exercise leader and lab assistant for bachelor or master student courses. 

Information about the division
The Division of Electric Power Engineering conducts research within a broad range of topics in electric power technology. Our purpose is to develop interdisciplinary research areas within the university as well as with external partners. Research activities at the division can be organised in three main areas: electric power systems, power electronics, and electric machines. The strength of our research is based on a solid theoretical basis and extensive experimental verification in our laboratories as well as in the field. 

Within the team working with power electronics, drives and energy storage for renewables and electrified vehicles we are 30 persons, of which a bit more than half are PhD students and about 10 seniors and postdocs.

Information about the department
At the department of Electrical Engineering, we value all our co-workers and we know that a variety of personalities and experiences makes the most creative workplaces. We therefore encourage applicants with any genders, backgrounds and abilities.

Our overall ambition is to contribute to a sustainable future. We aim to create a positive impact on the development of society, both environmentally, socially and economically. Research and education are performed in the areas of Communication and Antenna systems, Systems and Control, Computer vision, Signal processing, Biomedical engineering and Electric Power Engineering. Our knowledge is of use everywhere where there is advanced technology with integrated electronics, no matter if it involves electricity, electrical signals, optical signals or microwaves. The department is a dynamic and international work environment with about 200 employees from more than 20 countries. We collaborate closely with both national and international academia, industry and medical researchers.

Qualifications
To be qualified you must have a Master’s degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits or equivalent in Electric Power Engineering or Engineering Physics. We believe you are a highly motivated person, who can work independently. For this position skills in electromagnetic design of electrical machines and control of electrical machines are highly valuable.

Good proficiency in English orally and in writing is required. The position also includes departmental work up to 20 %, apart from the research task, for instance teaching.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is time limited to 4 years + additional time covering the teaching duties (typically 6-12 months).

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10903

Application deadline: 22 October, 2022