Professor / Chair Electrical Energy Systems (full-time)

Transcription

1 Professor / Chair Electrical Energy Systems (full-time) Eindhoven University of Technology, Department Electrical Engineering The mission of the Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group is the creation, dissemination and valorisation of knowledge to support the efficient supply and use of electrical energy for a sustainable society. The EES chair will lead research enabling understanding and development of the know-how and technologies needed to fulfill this mission. The EES group has a sound mix of international acknowledged experts and professionals and young talents with various backgrounds and nationalities. Currently the group counts 6 permanent scientific staff members, 8 part-time professors and lecturers from industry, 45 postdocs and PhD students, 5 supporting staff members and around 30 MSc students. EES has strong national and international relations with industrial and academic partners. The new chair is required to consolidate EES s leading position in research and education in the area of Electrical Energy Systems. The EES research is divided into 3 sub-programs: Intelligent Power Grids and Components Active distribution networks, residential energy systems, demand response, power quality issues, asset monitoring and diagnostics. Pulsed Power Technology Repetitive nanosecond pulsed power techniques, transient plasma generation and processing, bio electrics; Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Systematic analyses of complex systems, advanced sensor development, noise propagation, analytical and statistical electromagnetic models; Intelligent Power Grids and Components The Electrical Energy Systems (EES) group already has a strong research line on Intelligent Power Grids and Components (also known as Smart Grids) focusing on methodologies for design and operation of future electricity supply systems, with special emphasis on smart distribution networks and their interaction with higher level grids, energy and ancillary services markets, as well as connected users (prosumers). An intelligent power grid must be self-supporting, selfhealing, adaptive and active, inherently secure and stable and fulfilling power quality requirements. The development of modeling, testing and diagnostic methods for grid components (such as the successful development of on-line partial discharge monitoring of power cables) and enabling smart maintenance constitute the component-related aspects of this research sub-program. Page 1 of 5

2 Pulsed Power The research in this sub-program focuses on the integration of pulsed power technology into plasma processes of multidisciplinary character. Examples of such processes are sustainable energy generation, intelligent chemical processing, and air and water purification. The research area concerns three interrelated systems: the power modulator, the interfacing plasma and the target process. The power modulator performs time compression and time distribution of high power pulses. The plasma, distributed in time and in space, is the interface between modulator and process. The main challenge is an adequate energy transfer between the three systems. Transfer of knowledge to the industry is realized through three spin-off companies and active participation in valorization networks. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) In the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) sub-program, advanced modeling and measurement techniques are developed, that will help the designers of electronic systems to fully understand and simulate the key factors leading to potential degradation of signals in their systems at an early stage of the design process. The research interests range from small systems (e.g. noise propagation in integrated circuits) up to large ones (e.g. lightning protection of aircrafts). The innovative modeling and measurement techniques are rooted in advanced analytical electromagnetics, statistical electromagnetics and simulation techniques. Scientific Domain A novel paradigm is evolving in the planning and operation of the European electrical energy supply system such that increasing amounts of distributed and renewable energy resources can be integrated. With the implementation of ICTdriven solutions (e.g. distributed intelligence, machine-to-machine communication) and novel market mechanisms and interactions between producers, consumers and grid operators, it becomes possible to increase sustainability while maintaining present levels of reliability and affordability of the power system. The transition to renewable energy requires technologies that are scalable and inter-operable, to support a smooth deployment around the globe and thus enable also developing regions to apply the newly developed sustainable technologies. The research field of the Electrical Energy Systems chair implies an integral, systems viewpoint, which takes into account the network topology and associated constraints when devising new supply-demand balancing methods that allow for optimal integration of renewable resources. The transition towards (almost) 100% renewable electricity supply systems requires both innovative grid architectures and system operation concepts. To investigate the feasibility and performance of such innovations, lab-based modeling and simulations, supplemented with demonstrations through smart grid pilots are needed. This will lead to the development of modular and scalable, cyberphysical system Page 2 of 5

3 architectures. Such an approach highlights the interaction between the physical system (electrical network with sources, demands and storage devices), the communication network and a decentralized (agent-based) software system for monitoring, detection, and preventive, corrective and restorative control. The research includes the application of concepts from the fields of multi-agent systems, multi-criteria optimization and distributed control to emerging grid architectures -- including storage and power-electronics dominated systems -- and smart multi-energy systems. In the area of system operation two major topics are of interest. The first involves distributed control of complex networks: adaptive reconfiguration and control of relevant physical system variables on various time-scales with the goal of ensuring stability of the electrical grid. The second topic relates to efficient energy management systems: creating algorithms and market mechanisms that support the balancing of supply and demand in real-time, taking into account electricity, heat and storage devices, plus the relevant network constraints in each of these domains. Strategic partnerships The research performed by the EES group fits within the TU Eindhoven Strategic Areas Energy and Smart Mobility, while at the EE faculty level the research is part of the theme Smart and Sustainable Society. Within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering collaborations exist and are expected to be strengthened with the groups: Control Systems, Signal Processing Systems, and Electromechanics and Power Electronics, while university-wide collaborations are ongoing with the Faculty of the Built Environment, at the interface between Smart Grids and Building Energy Management Systems, and with the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science under the umbrella of the Data Science Center Eindhoven. In the area of Pulsed Power Technology close collaboration is ongoing with the Applied Physics department. National collaborations in the areas of software technology development and market/regulatory aspects for smart grids are ongoing under the 3TU umbrella with the Delft and Twente Universities of Technology, and with the research institutions CWI and TNO; also with RUG for legal and societal aspects. In addition, the group performs applied research in the area of smart grids, relevant for and in collaboration with, our partners from industry: transmission and distribution grid operators Alliander, Enexis, Stedin, and TenneT, consultants such DNV-GL, and technology providers such as Cofely, Technolution, HyTEPS, MasterVolt, Locamation. Specifically in the area of Pulsed Power, collaborations are ongoing with: ABB Corporate Research, NXP, Infineon, Airbus, Siemens, Wageningen University, Radboud Medical Center, VU Medical Center, Loughbourough University, Leibnitz Institute for Plasma Science, Greisfwald (Germany), and Kumamoto University (Japan). The research in Pulsed Power has also resulted in a number of spin-off companies: Vabrema, Plasmacure, and VitalFluid. Page 3 of 5

4 In the area of EMC, collaborations exist nationally with NXP, ASML, Philips, DAMEN, Comtest, and internationally with DELTA (Denmark), Supelec (France), and URSI (International Union of Radio Science). TU Eindhoven is active in the EuroTech consortium, together with Technical University of Denmark, EPFL Lausanne and TU Munchen, and also in CLUSTER, a network of 11 European universities, among which the EES group is closely associated with KTH Stockholm, KU Leuven, and the Polytechnic of Grenoble. The TU Eindhoven EES group is also active in inter-university education, as evidenced by the EIT KIC InnoEnergy SENSE and SELECT MSc programs. Tasks The candidate shall demonstrate vision on, and inspiration for the role of electrical energy in a sustainable society as well as an exceptional academic track record in this field. He or she shall further develop the group s research strategy in the field of smart and sustainable energy systems, pulsed power systems and EMC, taking into account the key role electrical energy plays in both today s as well as tomorrow s society. Considering the profile and the tradition of the EES group and its staff, the delicate balance between the scientific quality and the practice-oriented focus of the research portfolio will require the candidate s special attention. The current program of courses offered by the EES chair shall be further developed and adapted to the new research topics and brought in-line with the ongoing renewal of the MSc and BSc programs at TU/e. The importance of Master level courses to bring the EES group to the attention of students in order to get them enthusiastic about graduating within the group should not be underestimated. The candidate shall manage the EES group and its employees (both scientific and support staff), stimulate personal development and growth, encourage cooperation between group members and collaboration with other EE and TU/e groups active in the field of Electrical Energy Systems, related Strategic Areas and EE themes. The candidate shall further develop the existing and initiate new connections with the national and European industry in this field. The candidate shall articulate his or her vision to the industry with a view to valorization of the innovative research developed and demonstrated in the Smart Grid, Pulsed Power and EMC laboratories. The candidate should attract sufficient research funding from national and EU programs to maintain and where possible expand the current number of Ph.D. and Post-doctoral researchers. Page 4 of 5

5 Requirements Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or Physics, or equivalent Strong expertise in research in the electrical energy field with specific expertise in Intelligent Power Grids and components, shown by an appropriate number and level of scientific publications Broad experience in the initiation of research projects and acquisition of the required funding from national and EU subsidy programs Experience with, or at least interest in, education in general and the set-up of academic BSc and MSc education programs in particular Demonstrated educational skills, including supervision of Master and PhD students Experience in management of research projects and preferably management of research groups A strong (international) network in the electrical power engineering research community and related industry A proven track record in initiating and fostering cooperation between academia and the electrical power and energy industry. Conditions of employment We offer: A challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious university and a stimulating internationally renowned research environment; A tenured chair and full-time employment; A salary based on the rank of full professor plus 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-year-allowance; An attractive package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, child care, parental leave packages, savings schemes, and excellent sports facilities). Information and application For more information: Questions regarding the academic content of the position can be directed to prof.dr.ir. A.C.P.M. Backx, dean of the department Electrical Engineering ( [email protected] tel ). Other information can be obtained from Ms. Wilma van Eck, HR department ( [email protected] and tel ). How to apply: Applications should include a cover letter, full Curriculum Vitae including a publication list, names and contact details of three referees, an overview of current research and a proposal for future research. Please send us your application through the online job portal of the TU/e by using the apply now button, before November 16, Please note: you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. Page 5 of 5