Postdoc in Development of High-performance Modular Electrical Drive with Edge Computing and Machine Learning Capabilities - DTU Wind

3-year Postdoc position that will contribute to the development of a new generation of high-performance variable-frequency motor drives with advanced embedded intelligence.
Do you want to be involved in the green energy transition? Do you wish to contribute to the development of E-mobility integration and are looking for a career in R&D or academia? Then we have an opportunity!

We invite applications for a 3-year Postdoc position that will contribute to the development of a new generation of high-performance variable-frequency motor drives with advanced embedded intelligence. We offer a multidisciplinary, international, and friendly atmosphere, encouraging creativity, diversity, empathy, and teamwork. You will have a great opportunity to build strong networks with internationally known researchers at DTU and other universities as well as industrial partners.

You will be affiliated with the Section on E-mobility and Prosumer Integration in the Division of Power and Energy Systems at the Department of Wind and Energy Systems. Collaboration is encouraged with neighboring sections working on distributed energy systems, hybrid power plants, smart grids, power system flexibility, and market design and operation. The Section on E-mobility and Prosumer Integration undertakes internationally leading research and teaching in the field of EV technologies, charging infrastructure and flexibility, advanced power electronics, battery energy systems and hybrid AC-DC systems. This section is currently formed by 30 researchers from 15 different countries.

The Postdoc position is part of the Energiteknologiske Udviklings- og Demonstrationsprogram (EUDP) project ECO-Drive: Highly Efficient and Clean Output modular electrical Drive.

The ECO-Drive project involves 2 partners, Danfoss and Bornholm Energi & Forsyning. The project will develop an innovative and compact Variable Speed Drive (VSD) featuring an integrated sinusoidal filter and edge processing unit, with IoT and Cloud connectivity. This advanced solution aims to enhance the overall system lifespan, improve efficiency, and reduce the retrofitting costs typically associated with existing motor installations. To achieve these goals, a Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based converter system will be employed. This can potentially reduce the size of the filter, increase switching frequency, and reduce both acoustic and electromagnetic interference (EMI) noise. Additionally, it will minimize losses in cables and motor systems, eliminate the need for shielded cables, and support parallel connections in multi-drive systems. Additionally, the edge processing capabilities will enable the collection of extensive data from multiple drives. This data can be leveraged to create data-driven digital twins for the targeted applications, facilitating condition monitoring, and enhancing overall application efficiency.

In this context, the project tackles highly compelling challenges, including the evaluation of various converter topologies and the development of advanced modulation and control algorithms aimed at reducing common mode noise while achieving robust dynamic performance for both single and parallel electrical machine connections. Moreover, integrating edge capabilities, IoT, and Cloud computing into the decision-making processes of converter systems presents a significant challenge. This integration holds the potential to unlock the flexibility of electric drive assets, enabling their participation in ancillary service markets, enhancing condition monitoring, and improving overall system efficiency.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The position aims to:

• Research and propose advanced modulation, control, and monitoring algorithm implementations for single and parallel drives.
• Evaluate the proposals via simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB-Simulink, PLECS).
• Build the experimental setup to test the developed methods.
• Test experimentally the control of the electrical drives in the context of the proposed approach in the laboratory.
• Design and validate new AI-informed flexibility assessment methods that facilitate the grid-friendly integration of renewable energy sources while prioritizing user charging experience.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and disseminate your research at conferences and workshops.

The Postdoc will have task responsibilities in the project and will be involved in the coordination of its activities. Supervision of PhD and MSc students will be part of the job, along with participation in educational activities.

The candidate is also expected to actively contribute to raising funds for new research projects and to promote DTU activities.

Candidates are required to hold an MSc and PhD degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, electronic engineering, or a related discipline. A successful candidate should additionally have a strong background in computer and/or data science and in energy conversion with power electronic converters.

As the position is part of research, development and demonstration projects, it is important that the candidate is not only technically proficient, but also able to work in a team and contribute to the successful execution of project activities.

Candidates are expected to have the following technical qualifications:

• Strong programming skills, with a focus on Python, MATLAB, and C/C++.
• Hands-on experience with power electronics converters (converter design, modulation, and control algorithms) and control of electrical machines.
• The ability to work effectively with data and applied statistics.
• Experience in developing machine learning solutions for power electronic converters.
• Experience in online machine learning and system identification.
• A background in model predictive control applied to power electronic converters.
• Experience in condition monitoring and reliability assessment of power electronic systems.
• Experience with IoT, edge computing devices, and cloud platform integration.

Furthermore, the candidate should fulfil the following criteria:

• Self-motivation in research and innovation.
• Dedication and the desire to learn.
• The ability to present results in technical reports and prepare scientific papers.
• The ability to work in a project team and to take responsibility for their own research goals.
• Fluency in communicating and reporting in English.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 3 years starting from 1 February 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
The workplace will be DTU Wind and Energy Systems, Lyngby Campus at Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.

Further information
Further information about the academic content may be obtained from Professor Tomislav Dragicevic ([email protected]) or Head of Section Associate Professor Mattia Marinelli ([email protected])

You can read more about DTU Wind and Energy Systems at www.vindenergi.dtu.dk

Application
Please submit your online application no later than the end of the 31 October 2024 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including the list of technical publications (articles and reports).
• MSc/PhD diploma (in English)
• List of publications
• A 2-page research statement, including figures and references if deemed necessary (max 1000 words). Relevant research achievements, methodological approach and research objectives in the framework of the Postdoc are recommended elements to be included.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Wind and Energy Systems is one of the world’s largest centers of wind energy and energy systems research and knowledge, with a staff of more than 400 people from 37 countries working in research, innovation, research-based consulting and education. DTU Wind and Energy Systems has approximately 90 PhD students. The department’s cross-disciplinary research is organized through strategic research programmes that collaborate with Danish and international universities, research institutions and organizations, as well as the wind industry.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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