Modelling and stability analysis of future converter-based power systems

Within the Electrical Energy & Computer Architectures (Electa) research division and EnergyVille, the research team led by prof. Jef Beerten focuses on the combined modelling and control of power electronic converters and power systems, with a focus on DC systems. The group of PhD students and postdocs consists of about 10 people. Within the team, we have a research associate position available on the subject of modelling and stability analysis of future converter-based power systems.

The massive integration of renewable energy sources in the power system worldwide is pushing the transmission systems to their limits. Power electronics-based network components are playing a major role in this energy transition. They offer the possibility to control power flows and increase the reliability of the network under variable working conditions. On the transmission level, High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology is the candidate for reinforcing and upgrading the system. Long-term visions encompass rolling-out an offshore grid in the North Sea combined with so-called "electricity highways", energy corridors with power ratings that are an order of magnitude higher than existing line ratings.

Despite their advantages, converters can get unstable when the network conditions change, as a certain control loop (e.g., the phase-locked loop or the voltage controller) might adversely interact with other converter controllers in the system, or the non-passive behaviour of converters might result in the excitation of transmission network resonances. With the increasing penetration of power electronic converters in the power system, it becomes crucial to carry out detailed system studies to ensure that the converters do not result in system instability. These detailed system studies require accurate component models representing the dynamic response of the converter hardware and its controllers.

Within the team we have a research associate position available to aid the ongoing and upcoming industrial research projects from the aspect of modelling and stability analysis. The projects deal with realistic transmission system problems related to power electronic converters, and will require extensive model development of multiple test cases. In addition to the modelling work, several controller design approaches will be investigated, and stability studies will be carried out to ensure that the operation of the power electronic converters do not result in any instabilities.

As the ideal candidate:

• You have a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering, with a solid background in power systems and power electronics and experience in control engineering, preferably from a reputable institute from a country within the European Economic Area.
• You have obtained excellent study results.
• You have experience in working with large-scale power systems.
• You are communicative and motivated to work in an international team with other experts studying different aspects of HVDC grids and power systems.
• You have profound knowledge of MATLAB, Simulink and electromagnetic transient power system simulation software PSCAD and the use of power electronics in power systems. Knowledge of the Julia programming language is a plus.
• Experience with real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) experiments is considered as an advantage.
• You are able to communicate fluently in English, both orally and in writing. Knowledge of the Dutch language is a plus.

For more information please contact prof. dr. ir. Jef Beerten via jef.beerten@esat.kuleuven.be

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