PostDoc in ML for hydropower hydraulic-mechanical-electrical mechanisms

We are looking for a motivated and skilled post-doc with cross-disciplinary knowledge to develop machine learning models for describing hydraulic-mechanical-electrical coupling mechanisms and optimal hydropower plant operations in a renewable electric energy system.

Information about the research project
In this project, we will exploit various machine learning methods aiming to construct models to describe both the quasi-static and dynamic hydraulic-mechanical-electrical coupling mechanisms of hydropower plants (HPP), with the intention to have a more rational maintenance prediction and optimized HPP operation. This project will first investigate various machine learning methods to establish data-driven models to describe a hydropower plant’s hydraulic-mechanical-electrical coupling mechanisms, in terms of the guide vane angle, runner blade angle, runner rotational speed, flow rate, water head, pump operations, etc. The data-driven models will be compared and combined with HPP physical model to describe both the hydro turbine performance and corresponding HPP operation efficiency.

Your main duties will include:
1) develop data-driven HPP hydraulic-mechanical-electrical coupling models to describe HPP operation efficiency and hydro turbine vibration in terms of operational parameters at various conditions
2) optimal design of hydro turbine governing system (HTGS) controller based on data-driven models to illustrate the application of the above models to design an optimal controller to increase HPP operation efficiency and reduce machine wear (vibrations).
3) identification of potential and extra investment on sensors that can be used in the future for other applications in hydropower industry
More information can be found in the complete project proposal: www.tfd.chalmers.se/%7Ehani/220513_ML_for_hydropower_operations.pdf

The project is a collaboration between the divisions of Fluid Dynamics (FD) and Marine Technology (MT), at the department of Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), and the division of Electric Power Engineering (EPE) at the department of Electrical Engineering. The employment and the work space is at the divison of Fluid Dynamics, in the group of Applied Fluid Dynamics, at M2. The project team consists of Professor Håkan Nilsson (FD), specialized and working extensively on hydraulic-mechanical problems related to hydro power engineering during the past 25 years, Professor Yujing Liu (EPE), specialized on electrical mechanisms for various power generator systems during his entire career, and Professor Wengang Mao (MT), actively working on statistical and machine learning methods for various engineering problems during the past 10 years.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility is to conduct the research project and to publish high-quality journal papers. At least one published paper is expected during your first year. To accomplish this, you need to communicate with the participating industries in order to get access to the required data and to discuss the needs of both the project and the industry. You are also encouraged to supervise PhD and master students within your working and competence areas.  

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree in signal processing, control systems, or applied mechanics related areas. You also need a background (education record) in mathematics and statistics. In particular, you should have relevant knowledge about big data analysis and control/optimization algorithms. Proficiency in programming is required. Finally, you need to be able to disseminate results and knowledge within existing and new networks. This includes academia, industry and society at large. Experience from publishing articles in international scientific journals is also a must, as well as documented experience of presenting research results in front of a large audience.

We are looking for someone that can take initiatives, work independently when needed and take responsibility for your work. Further, the project interacts closely with adjacent disciplines and industry. Thus you need to enjoy collaborating with others.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
The postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment limited to two years.

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.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=11036&rmlang=UK

Application deadline: November 14, 2022

*** 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 six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, 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!