The research (and teaching) activities of KU Leuven/ESAT/ELECTA cover a wide spectrum from power systems over power electronics to control and socio-economic issues.
The main research topics include power system operation and control; distributed control and optimalisation; power electronics; energy markets; and multi-scale, multi-physics system modelling. Since more than fifteen years, smart grids are a focal point, where we look into the power grid infrastructure, ICT infrastructure, smart grid applications, algorithms, business processes and stakeholders. As smart grids are about managing flexibility, this makes ELECTA's experience and knowledge an indispensable input for this project.
The research group has been active since the 1960s and currently has 6 full-time professors, 6 part-time professors, 8 post-doctoral andsenior researchers, 13 administrative and technical persons and 45+ PhD students.
ELECTA is a founding member of the Energy Institute (www.kuleuven.be/ei) (1997), which is recognised as a KU Leuven centre of excellence. ELECTA is also one of the driving forces behind EnergyVille (www.energyville.be), which unites KU Leuven, VITO, imec and UHasselt for research on sustainable energy and intelligent energy systems. Since 2016 EnergyVille has its research facilities Genk, where it hosts advanced smart grid laboratories. Within this project, KU Leuven has full access to these EnergyVille facilities.
Finally, ELECTA is one of the key partners in InnoEnergy (EIT – Knowledge andInnovation Community) with focus on Intelligent Energy Efficient Buildings and Cities.
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Project
This PhD research is part of the project “Design automation of magnetic components towards ultra-compact power converters for electromobility applications”. This project addresses the growing demand for energy-efficient power electronics in electromobility applications by developing pioneering innovative models and design procedures for custom-made magnetic components. The enhanced design of these components plays a crucial role in the ongoing energy transition towards reducing power losses and meeting the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
The primary goal is to develop advanced power loss models that accurately characterize magnetic components within modern high-frequency (HF) power conversion systems with wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors. Our strategy combines experimental procedures with numerical simulation, confronting the challenges posed by the ever-increasing switching frequency and the imperative to volume reduction (miniaturisation). These complementary parts will contribute to the development of digital twins for magnetic components and will enhance their design through model order reduction and artificial intelligence algorithms. This opens exciting new research horizons in the realm of modern power electronics with WBG devices.
The PhD student will be part of the ELECTA research group, as part of EnergyVille. The PhD researcher will focus on the modelling and numerical simulation.
Profile
You are a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher with a strong interest in the development of numerical simulation methods.
You have:
· A master’s degree in electromechanical/energy engineering OR electrical engineering or mechanical engineering OR mathematical
engineering OR computer science OR data science.
· You have good software skills and high-level programming languages (python, julia), e.g., finite element software (commercial or open source), Matlab/Simulink.
· Critical and creative thinking skills.
· Independence and initiative.
· Reliability in teamwork and good communication skills.
· Excellent proficiency in English (speaking, listening, and writing).
Please indicate clearly in the motivation letter your research interests and your previous experience and knowledge.
Offer
. A four-year doctoral scholarship and a PhD in Engineering Science, if successful.
· The opportunity to participate in exciting scientific projects carried out within ELECTA and EnergyVille research center. EnergyVille actively collaborates with industry, helping you to expand your professional network.
· Access to state-of-the-art technologies, core facilities and technical support.
· The opportunity to be part of in an exciting and international research environment, engage in research collaborations and participate at international conferences.
· A flexible working culture with opportunity to up to 40% remote working.
· Benefits such as health insurance, access to university sports facilities, etc.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Ruth Vazquez Sabariego, tel.: +32 16 32 88 91, mail: ruth.sabariego@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Wilmar Martinez Martinez, tel.: +32 16 32 52 31, mail: wilmar.martinez@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
