The Intelligent Energy Systems (IES) is seeking a PhD to widen the scientific activities in the program.
The IES program contributes to research in energy systems with a high degree of stochastic energy. Modeling of electricity markets, using high level mathematical methods, taking into account the stochastic nature of renewable energy is one of the key elements. Another key area is research in control methods and infrastructure for demand side participation in the control of the power system.
The research topics of the program are:
- Develop the architecture of energy systems that supports the link between energy sectors
- Experimental investigation and characterization of the system aspects of future energy technologies and components
- Development of models and tools for techno-economical analyses of energy systems with intelligent control and flexible technologies/components
- Analyses of energy system operation focusing on intelligent control, including analyses of power market design
- Development of control concepts that utilize distributed resources for achieving a robust, flexible and economically integrated energy system
- Utilization of information and communication technologies for establishing an effective infrastructure in the energy system
- Contribute to the development of relevant international standards for control, communication etc, in the energy system
The test facility SYSLAB is an experimental platform for research verification and demonstration in a real life power grid and it is being used in many of the research projects for proof-of-concept implementations. SYSLAB consists of interconnected sites on the Risø DTU Campus with e.g. battery/storage, wind turbines, generators and loads. The integrated PowerFlexHouse serves research of strategies for Demand control and Technology verification. The facilities are currently being extended. SYSLAB is a part of the Danish Consortium PowerLab.dk and projects for close integration between the four labs are under implementation.
The PhD study will be part of a newly started project, iPower (www.ipower-net.dk). It focuses on flexible electricity consumption, where intelligent appliances e.g. electric vehicles and heat pumps can regulate their own consumption to fit with wind power production and user needs without overloading the grid.
The research is carried out in corporation with other universities, utilities and industry, and participation in international activities will be expected.
Job description
The main topic of the PhD will be the development of control strategies for households/domestic consumption to participate in the balancing of the power system using bi-directional control between the controlled units and an aggregator.
The work will involve:
- Modelling of domestic consumption, such as heat demand of houses, heat pumps and refrigerators with an emphasis on describing the flexibilities generically
- Investigation of control methods and algorithms using bi-directional communication considering local limitations and aggregation/de-aggregation
- Implementation and testing of controllers on the experimental facility SYSLAB
- Information exchange between controlled units and the aggregator with an emphasis on generic description of the flexibility of the controlled units
Qualifications
The applicants should have:
- Master degree in engineering or natural science or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering
- strong control background
- Experience on experimental work
- Experience on programming
- Preferably knowledge on power system operation
- Preferably knowledge on system optimization and analyses
- Preferably knowledge on energy systems and technologies
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
Further information
You are welcome to contact Head of Program Anders Troi, +45 4677 5057.
Application
We must have your online application by 16 October 2011. Please open the link "apply for this job online", fill in the application form and attach the following documents;
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.