PhD School of the Politecnico di Milano Regulations of the PhD Programme in. Electrical Engineering. Cycle XXXI

Transcription

1 PhD School of the Politecnico di Milano Regulations of the PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering Cycle XXXI Location: Bovisa Lambruschini & Leonardo

2 1. General Information PhD School of the Politecnico di Milano PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering Official Languages: English and Italian Location of PhD Programme: Bovisa-Lambruschini and Leonardo Subjects (SSD): ING/IND-31 Electrical engineering ING/IND-32 Power electronic converters, electrical machines and drives ING/IND-33 Electrical power systems ING/INF-07 Electric and electronic measurements PhD School Website: PhD Programme Website: 2. General presentation of the PhD Programme The PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering is based on both courses and research in any field of the Electrical Engineering: from electric power systems to electrical machines, drives and automation, from basic electromagnetics to electric measurements and signal processing. Research is carried out according to the guidance provided by the research groups at both the Dipartimento di Energia (DERG) and the Dipartimento di Elettronica, Informazione e Bioingegneria (DEIB), where the PhD student will be hosted. Courses are delivered at either the Bovisa-Lambruschini or the Leonardo Politecnico Campuses. The Programme includes advanced training and research in the following fields: A) Circuits and Electromagnetics: This field is meant to provide basic knowledge of methods in electrical engineering for power applications. Students are specifically trained to develop critical ability and innovative approaches. The training method encourages the development of discussion and debating skills in a team environment. The main research and training subjects are: nonlinear networks and periodic time-variant networks;

3 analysis methods for three-phase and multiphase systems; switching circuits; electromagnetic field equations and numerical analysis; electromagnetic compatibility B) Power Systems: A PhD in the field of Power Systems deals with the following subjects: electrical energy production (e.g., frequency and voltage control, protections, renewable energy sources, Dispersed Generation, Microgrids); electrical energy transmission (e.g., power system analysis, real and reactive power optimization, security and stability, integration of renewables); electricity markets (e.g., models, ancillary services, regulations); power quality and Smart Grids (e.g., harmonic distortion, active filters, UPS, interruptions and voltage dips, DC distribution), electric transportations. C) Electric machines and drives: This research field is strictly related to the rising demand for improved machine and converter performance, in terms of low price, efficiency, robustness, dynamic response and drive control. This need leads to device optimization and improved design and testing criteria. Moreover, a system approach is required for accurate integration of technical and economic aspects. The main subjects in this field are: new materials; novel magnetic structures; methodologies of model development for design and operating analysis; optimization procedures; finite elements code, simulation programs and environments for device study; control system definition. D) Measurements: This research field concentrates on the fundamentals of metrology, particularly with respect to characterization of modern measurement systems based on complex digital signal processing structures. Some of the main subjects of study are: measurement methodology as it relates to power systems, including medium and high voltage systems and components, as well as both digital and analog signal processing. Methodologies and measurement systems associated with industrial automation and, in particular, microelectronic sensor applications, distributed structures and advanced methods and algorithms for maintenance-oriented diagnosis of complex systems are investigated in detail. 3. Objectives The main objective of the PhD Programme is to allow a direct, immediate and suitable integration of PhDs in any research body such as an R&D department of a production or service company. A PhD in Electrical Engineering has a solid basic knowledge of mathematics and physics. This is essential, particularly for handling and understanding advanced tools and methods as well as for proper modelling, analysis and design of electrical engineering applications, with particular regard to power applications. A PhD in Electrical Engineering is well acquainted with circuits and electromagnetic fields as well as with methods and applications in the main disciplines of Basic Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Electrical and Electronic Measurements, Converters, Machines and Electrical Drives. A strong link is already in place with the most important industrial companies in the field. The most significant part of the PhD Programme is the development of the research.

4 4. Professional opportunities and job market Currently, several high-level opportunities are provided to electrical engineers worldwide; at the Politecnico di Milano Career Service, about 10 job offers are provided to every MSc graduate in electrical engineering. As far as PhDs in Electrical Engineering are concerned, they are typically employed at Major research centres, including University and Academic institutions; R&D departments in public and private industry (e.g. manufacturers); Power generation, transmission and distribution departments; Engineering consultancy firms; Metrology reference institutes and certification laboratories; Process and transport automation areas; Public bodies such as Regulatory or Government agencies. 5. Enrolment at the PhD Programme 5.1 Admission requirements Italian and foreign citizens can apply. They are requested to have graduated in accordance with the pre-existing laws D.M n. 509 or they to have a master of science degree in accordance with D.M n. 509 or a master of science in accordance with D.M n. 270 or similar academic title obtained abroad, equivalent for duration and content to the Italian title and for an overall duration of university studies of at least five years. The official call, as well as the number of vacancies and detailed requirements are available at the PhD School website: Please note that the certified knowledge of the English language is a strict requirement. The call is typically published on early spring, every year. The admission to the programmes is granted according to ranking based on the evaluation of the curricula of the studies, the motivation letter and an illustrative paper about the development of a possible PhD research, which candidates will send together with their application to the admission announcement. In order to apply for the PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering, a MSc either in Engineering (preferably) or in a Scientific field is mandatory. Given the research topics investigated during the programme, the MSc in following engineering fields are preferred: electrical and computer, electronic, industrial, energy. PhD students are required to work full time for their PhD. 5.2 Admission deadlines and number of vacancies The deadlines and number of vacancies is indicated in the Call for admission to the PhD Programmes: Scholarships both on general and on specific themes might be available, according to what is specified in the call for admission. Usually, a number of generic scholarships are available. However, depending on the requests from industry, scholarships on specific issues could be offered. They will be specified in the admission call.

5 A number of agreements with many important technical universities in Europe and outside Europe is also in place for student exchanges during the PhD: some students may get access to the PhD Programme at Politecnico di Milano by applying for such agreements. 6. Contents of PhD Programme 6.1 Requirements for the attainment of the title Attainment of a PhD at the Politecnico di Milano requires full time study and research activities lasting usually three years as well as the development of a PhD thesis to be evaluated by an international Committee. Research: The work necessary to develop the PhD thesis should be continuous during the three curricular years. During the first year, students must select, among the proposed topics, the subject of their research and must prepare a Research project in which they explain what they would like to study and how to carry out the research. Moreover, they will study the subjects related to the proposed area of research in depth, also carrying out a bibliographical research. The second year is dedicated to the basic scientific and specialized skills necessary for the research, which will be completed during the third year. Courses: For the PhD in Electrical Engineering, it is necessary to follow PhD courses and to pass the relevant exams for at least 30 ECTS; the courses must be chosen among PhD level courses, according to what described in section 6.3 below. At the end of each year, the PhD student must pass the evaluation by the Academic Board; about six month before the end of the third year, two external examiners will be appointed and their positive evaluation is necessary for the candidate to be allowed to discuss the thesis during the final exam. 6.2 Development of the research and of the PhD thesis The aim of PhD programmes at the Politecnico di Milano is the development in candidates of a research-oriented mind-set, with expertise and skills in a specific research topic. To develop a research-oriented mind-set, candidates must acquire problem-solving capabilities, including in-depth analysis of the problem, identification of an original solution and the capability of evaluating a solution and its applicability in given contexts. These skills provide PhD students with major opportunities for the development of their research both in the academic field and in public and private organisations. The main objective is the development of an original research contribution. The PhD thesis must increase knowledge in the chosen research field. In addition, it must be coherent with the research topics developed in the Departments that host the PhD Programme. The original research must be described in a PhD thesis, which contains and discusses the original contribution, starting from the state-of-the-art in the research field. Other activities for the development of personal skills and research expertise are encouraged during the PhD programme: in particular, the PhD student must acquire the capability to present and discuss

6 his/her work in the research community. Consequently both participation in international conferences and publication of research results in international journals with review are a strict requirement. PhD candidates are also encouraged to carry out part of their research activities in contact with other national and international research groups in their field of interest. Consequently, research visits to other research groups lasting at least three months are strongly encouraged, in order to acquire further skills to develop the research work and the thesis. For such activities, a budget is yearly available. The PhD research will be developed under the guidance of a Supervisor who supports the candidate in setting-out and in everyday activities regarding development of the thesis. The Supervisor needs not be a member of the Academic Board; moreover, he/she may belong to an institution other than the Politecnico di Milano. The Supervisor can be supported by one or more Co-supervisors. Moreover, for each PhD student, a Tutor, belonging to the Academic Board, is appointed. The Tutor supervises and supports the candidate in the overall training programme. The Supervisor and the Tutor can coincide. 6.3 Objectives and general framework of the training activities To develop the capability of carrying out research activities, the candidate must attend PhD level Courses, according to the PhD programme in Electrical Engineering, and pass the relevant exams. Selection of Courses is agreed with the Supervisor and the Tutor and must be formalized in a study plan that must be approved yearly by the Coordinator of the PhD Programme. The PhD Programme and the PhD School may activate various types of training (courses, seminars, project workshops, laboratories). All activities aim at: creating the basic knowledge common to PhD programmes; examining the basic research issues (problems, theories, research methods) which represent the pillars of the PhD Programme; exploring in a specialised manner certain research issues connected with the problems developed in the thesis. During the first two years, PhD Students will must select PhD level courses relevant to their research and pass the corresponding exams, thus acquiring at least 30 ECTS. For the admission to the second year, at least 10 ECTS must be acquired during the first year. PhD level courses can be chosen among the courses offered by the PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering; the PhD School at the Politecnico di Milano; other PhD Programmes at the Politecnico di Milano; other Summer Schools or Courses equivalent to the above PhD level, to be a priori evaluated by the Academic Board. In any case, a final exam is mandatory for the acquisition of the ECTS pertaining to a course. Each course will be suitably advertised in terms of dates, programs, schedule, evaluation, etc. on the website of the PhD Programme. With regard to Courses at Politecnico di Milano, lectures are generally in English unless specified otherwise. At least one path entirely in English is available.

7 PhD-level Courses with final exam provide the right to acquire ECTS credits; other activities, typically specialised (workshops, meetings, participation to task forces, etc.), for which it would be difficult to assess learning, are considered useful scientific activities and, as such, taken into account by the Academic Board in the overall annual assessment but are not quantified in ECTS. The following tables show the schedule for PhD candidates and refer only to coursework activities. The remaining time of the candidate is continuously devoted to research activity. First/Second Year Courses Courses characterising the PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering Possible details or reference to following tables Table A PhD School Courses Table B 5 Other PhD courses Table C 0 10 Number of ECTS (min-max) Note Only if a final exam is passed Third year The third year should be devoted entirely to research and development of the PhD thesis. PhD PROGRAMMES PhD-level courses that can be taken are classified as follows: A) The PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering organises Characterising Courses (see table A). Every year the PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering guarantees the availability of courses for at least 20 ECTS. B) The PhD School organises General and Interdoctoral courses with foreign professors. Acquisition of at least 5 ECTS from such Courses is mandatory. Students are allowed to choose any of these courses, although some of them are suggested (see Table B). The list of Ph.D. courses organized by the PhD School is available at the following page C) Other PhD level courses PhD courses can be taken from other PhD Programmes at the Politecnico di Milano or from wellknown universities or research/training institutions; according to the PhD Regulations of the Politecnico di Milano, these must be PhD-level Courses. Prior approval of the Supervisor, of the Tutor and of the Coordinator of the Academic Board is mandatory. To obtain such approval, the PhD

8 student must present the detailed course program, the timetable and the list of lecturers. To obtain registration of ECTS, a final exam must be taken at the Institution offering the Course. An example of such courses are summer schools for PhD students organized by certain research groups in Italy, listed in Table C. In the following, the expected schedule for the 2015/16 and 2016/17 academic years is provided. It is possible that other courses are subsequently activated at the PhD School; in this case, candidates will be promptly informed in order to be able to insert these new courses in their study plan. Table A: PHD COURSES CHARACTERISING THE PHD PROGRAMME SDS Course Professor A.Y./Semester Language ECTS ING-IND/31 Static power conversion Gabrio Superti 2016/17 EN 5 systems Furga ING-IND/31 Electromagnetic Riccardo Zich Nov.Dec EN 5 Compatibility in Industry Applications ING-IND/33 Smart grid technical and Maurizio Delfanti 2016/17 EN 5 regulatory issues: DG integration and advanced network management ING-IND/33 Dynamics of large power Alberto Berizzi February/March IT 5 systems 2016 ING-IND/32 Modelling, Control and Management of integrated electromechanical drives Francesco Castelli Dezza 2016/17 EN 5 ING-INF/07 Advanced architectures and methods for digital signal processing applied to measurements ING-INF/07 Methods and techniques for monitoring distributed parameter systems ING-INF/07 The validation of the experimental data: tracing measurement results back to the International System of Units Alessandro Ferrero Gabriele D Antona Alessandro Ferrero March/May 2016 EN 5 Nov EN /17 EN 5

9 Table B: SUGGESTED GENERAL AND INTERDOCTORAL COURSES FROM THE PHD SCHOOL (2015/16) Epistemology of scientific and technical research "Guido Nardi" (7th edition): Fundamental concepts in philosophy of science Science, Technology, Society and Wikipedia Ethics in Research Qualitative Research Methodologies in Planning, Design and Engineering Scientific Communication in English Research Management Quantitative analysis of very-large systems: metrics, models, techniques, methodologies and tools Optimal filtering and data analysis Statistical Signal Processing Unmanned autonomous vehicles in air, land and sea Design for Social Innovation Advanced Topics in the Finite Element Method for Structural Analysis Micro Electro Mechanical Systems and additive microfabrication (MEMS&3D) Computational Fluid Dynamics with Open- Source Software Monte Carlo simulation methods: theory and applications to stochastic and uncertain systems, structures and components Functional Analysis and Partial Differential Equations High Performance Computing in Multibody Dynamics Research in public and regulated sectors Table C: OTHER PHD COURSES Any PhD Course pre-approved by the PhD Coordinator can be considered in this category as well as any PhD Course from any PhD Programme at the Politecnico di Milano. The following Courses can be considered a priori approved: SSD Name of Course Semester ECTS (expected) ING-INF/07 Seminario d eccellenza Italo Gorini Fall 5 ING-IND/32 European PhD Summer School Power electronics for Spring 5 ING-IND/33 electrical machines and Energy control ING-IND/31 Scuola Nazionale Dottorandi di Elettrotecnica Summer 5 Ferdinando Gasparini PREPARATORY COURSES Should the Supervisor or the Tutor find it useful or necessary for the candidate to attend preparatory courses (chosen among the MSc courses activated at the Politecnico di Milano) the Academic Board of the PhD programme can assign a number of extra-credits to be acquired to complete the training path. As such credits are not taken from PhD level courses, they will be recorded in the Diploma Supplement (in case a final exam is given and certified by the relevant professor), but they do not

10 contribute in fulfilling the constraint defined in section 6.1. SPECIALISTIC COURSES, LONG-TRAINING SEMINARS Attendance of Specialised Courses, Workshops, Schools, Seminars, etc., is strongly encouraged. All such activities will be included in the Diploma Supplement, although not qualified as ECTS, as optional supplementary teaching. 6.4 Presentation of the study plan Each PhD candidate must submit his/her study plan. Candidates will have the opportunity to review it periodically (approximately every three months) in order to adapt it to possible changes in the training offer or to needs justified by the development of his/her study plan. The study plan must be approved by the Coordinator of the PhD Programme, according to the procedures established by the Academic Board of the PhD Programme in Electrical Engineering. 6.5 Annual evaluations At the end of the first year, a first examination takes place, based on a report prepared by the Student for the Academic Board. After the evaluation of the work carried out, the Board takes a decision on whether or not to admit the Student to the second year. After each annual evaluation, the Student will receive an evaluation (A/B/C/D) or, if the Student does not pass the evaluation, he/she will be qualified as a Repeating candidate (Er) or not able to continue with the PhD (Ei). The second year is dedicated to the basic scientific and specialized skills necessary for the thesis, which will be completed during the third year. At the end of the second year, the second evaluation takes place. Here, students present a second report to the Academic Board, which takes a decision on whether or not to admit them to the third year. In the same way, at the end of the third year, a similar although more complete evaluation will take place for admission to the final exam. In this last evaluation, the candidate who has achieved sufficient results but needs some more time to draw up his/her thesis, may request an extension of up to 12 months. 6.5 Instruction for the preparation of the PhD thesis The third year is entirely dedicated to the PhD thesis. The main objective is the development of an original research contribute. At the end of the year, if the research performed is considered adequate by the Board of Professors, the student is allowed to complete the thesis and to sustain the final exam; a copy of the thesis must be reviewed by two external reviewers, that can require changes. Afterwards, the final exam will take place, in which the research and the thesis will be evaluated by a Committee composed by three members, of which at least two are external members. After the final PhD exam has been taken, the Academic Board will organize and promote a public meeting, in the presence of the Advisory Board and open to experts from the Academic, Scientific and Industrial world, in which the newly graduated PhDs will present the main results of their research activity.

11 7. Laboratories, PhD Secretary Services Each PhD Student will carry out his/her research exploiting all available facilities of the research group he/she belongs to and all facilities made available by the Departments. Each PhD Student will have at his/her disposal an office, a personal desk, computing facilities, access to the Politecnico di Milano libraries and electronic resources and, if necessary, to laboratories, instrumentation and machines. The Secretariat of the PhD in Electrical Engineering is available at the Dipartimento di Energia. 8. Internationalisation and other activities Carrying out study and research at other laboratories is strongly recommended. The University also offers the possibility of PhD programmes with foreign universities as well as double and joint PhD programmes. Further information can be found on the PhD School and PhD programme websites