KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm is the largest and oldest technical university in Sweden. No less than one-third of Swedens technical research and engineering education capacity at university level is provided by KTH. Education and research spans from natural sciences to all branches of engineering and includes Architecture, Industrial Management and Urban Planning. There are a total of 13,400 first and second level students and almost 1,900 doctoral students. KTH has 4,900 employees.

KTH Elektro- och systemteknik bedriver forskning och utbildning inom elektroteknik, systemteknik, informations- och kommunikationsteori, rymd- och fusionsplasmafysik och elkraftteknik. I denna dynamiska miljö arbetar ca 380 personer, varav hälften är doktorander, många med utländsk bakgrund. Våra forskningsprojekt bedrivs i nära samarbete med industripartners och med forskarkollegor i Sverige och utomlands. Skolan ansvarar för civilingenjörsutbildningarna i elektroteknik samt sju mastersprogram med högt söktryck och nära koppling till våra profilområden.

The Department for Electrical Energy Conversion conducts research and provides teaching in the fields of power electronics and electric machines. Within the department a group of scientists is engaged in research towards new and improved solutions for high-power electronics, with applications in, for instance, power transmission, railway interties and high power motor drives. In particular, modular converter structures based on cascading of converter cells are studied. This field currently undergoes very rapid development both within academic research as well as in industry. It is a key technology for addressing some of the current global challenges, such as efficient integration of distant renewable energy sources into the power grid. The department is internationally well established, has many research collaborations with excellent partners worldwide, and is involved in several European and national projects.

Projects description

A transition to a sustainable energy system will require radically increased use of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. However, expanding the share of such uncontrollable sources causes an ever increasing need for long-distance, and sub-sea, power transmission. For these applications frequently high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission is preferable to ac transmission. In the case of sub-sea transmission, e.g. from offshore wind power parks to shore, there is often no other alternative than to use HVDC since ac cables can feasibly be made no longer than approximately 100 km. So far, most HVDC installations are point-to-point connections. However, an increased use of HVDC connections will eventually make it economically favorable to connect these into a grid. This offers several benefits. Most notably, the cost of equipment can be radically reduced since fewer converter stations are needed.

The Department for Electrical Energy Conversion seeks two PhD students for the following projects. Write in the statement of purpose which of the projects you would prefer.

1. Power converters for HVDC grids

The realization of HVDC grids will in many ways require new thinking. An important topic is the converter stations for turning AC into DC and vice versa. The requirements with regard to fault handling will be very different, which will call for new solutions both in terms of converter topologies and control algorithms.

This project will be focused on new power converters for HVDC grids with the ultimate aim of developing solutions that can make HVDC grids more efficient, less costly and more reliable. The methodology will involve analytical studies, numerical calculations and simulations. There will also be an experimental verification of the most promising concepts on a down-scaled prototype platform.

2. Ultra-fast breakers for HVDC grids

In an HVDC grid, the short-circuit fault handling methodology will be very different from that of an AC grid since the short-circuit current is not limited. It will therefore be necessary to limit the current flowing between the ac and dc grids within a very short timeframe (few milliseconds) in case of a dc-side fault. To do this, the availability of very fast DC switchgear will be crucial. Existing DC breakers are either too slow to meet the requirements, or very costly.

The project will be focused on ultra-fast switchgear for HVDC grids with the ultimate aim of developing concepts that can make the use of such grids less costly, more efficient and more reliable. This switchgear will involve power electronic elements to achieve the required speed of current interruption. The methodology will involve analytical studies, numerical calculations and simulations. There will also be experimental verification of the most promising concepts.

KTH offers an attractive working environment, generous remuneration, as well as other employment benefits. As a PhD student at KTH you have many opportunities to participate at conferences, projects and other relevant events which will extend your professional network and benefit your future career.

Qualifications and eligibility

The successful applicant is expected to hold or to be about to receive an MSc degree in engineering, engineering physics, or a related area. A specialization in power electronics is an asset but not a must.

The successful applicant should have an outstanding academic track record, and well developed analytical and problem solving skills. We are looking for a strongly motivated person, who is able to work independently. Good command of English orally and in writing is required to publish and present results at international conferences and in international journals. The evaluation will be based on how well the applicant fulfills the above qualifications.

Trade union representatives

You'll find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH:s webbpage .

Application

Log into KTH's recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application.

The application must include:

1. Full curriculum vitae including your relevant academic, professional, and other experience and knowledge.
2. Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions, with translations in English (unless provided so by the issuing institution)
3. Statement of purpose: Why the applicant wants to pursue a PhD, what are your academic interests, how they relate to your previous studies and future goals; maximum 2 pages long.
4. Representative publications or technical reports: Up to 2 documents, no longer than 10 pages each. For longer documents (e.g. theses), please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
5. Letters of recommendation or contact information for two reference persons

Others

The employment is time limited, following the regulations for PhD employment in the Higher Education Ordinance ( 5 years when 80% studies and 20% department service) .

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Type of employment: Temporary position longer than 6 months
Working hours: Full time
Salary: Monthly salary that follows kth:s phd student salary agreement
City: Stockholm
Reference number: E-2014-0969
Published: 2014-12-18
Last application date: 2015-01-15

Please state in the application that you applied via Universitypositions.eu