Doctoral fellow

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

The research group EnSy / Lemcko is affiliated with Ghent University and located on the UGent campus in Kortrijk. EnSy /Lemcko is specialized in Power Quality, Smart µGrids, Renewable energy, Hosting capacity and Grid Flexibility. You can find more info on www.ugent.be/ea/eemmecs/lemcko/en

YOUR TASKS

Objective of the research
The project aims to research key technological components for the large-scale (>10.000-1M) coordination of light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging and vehicle-to-grid for grid balancing and congestion management. The technological components comprise of:
(1) Simulation framework to model the electric behaviour of large-scale light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging and discharging as coupled mobility and energy assets in the energy system
(2) Models to determine the available hosting (EV-charging) capacity of the distribution grid (incl. Transformers) as a function of urban and grid morphology (envisaged locations)

Job description
Analysis of charging data of existing charging points of both “slow and “fast” charging stations (e.g. residential, public, high-power (e.g. >50kW) charging) with the aim to have a realistic insight of connection times, charging capabilities, arrival times, charging power etc., as well as develop a driver & charging model for these set of mobility and EV-types (PHEV, V1G, V2G). Models should be developed in a probabilistic manner to be able to capture the stochastic nature of the driver’s charging behaviour
Using GIS applications, the maximum number of EVs that can fit in the area from an urban planning perspective must to be estimated on a realistic way. An estimate of the proportion of electric vehicles will be made based on the possibilities of connecting these EVs to both public and private car parks or along streets. This will allow us to create a realistic picture of the potential storage capacity that can be provided depending on the environmental conditions (locations), including the analysis of the dynamic hosting capacity on both LV and MV level. Synthetic load profiles for users on charging stations must be analysed with the aim to determine the maximum available power for EVs and compare it with local load profiles.
Finaly, the total reception capacity of the MV grid for large-scale EV charging and discharging on the considered network, including business parks, shopping malls, and charging plazas. A scalable network model based on the considered urban morphology in order to determinate the maximum allowable EVs hosting capacity in the network.

Research Outcomes/Tasks:
• A set of categorical synthetic charging profiles
• Prediction of tolerable number of electrical EVs for a given feeder model
• Forecasting of dynamic hosting capacity
Additional Tasks:
• Project reporting and follow up
• Publish the gathered research results in high ranked journals
• Conduct Ma thesis students during their projects related to your research.
• Support the Lemcko staff in teaching and lab sessions.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold (preferably) one of the following Master’s degrees:
o Master of Science in Electromechanical, Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics/Math with affiliation to renewable energy
o Master in Engineering technology in the domains of Electrical engineering, Electromechanical engineering, Control technics
o Equivalent Master in Electrotechnics or Electromechanics.
• You are highly motivated, self-critical, you work with rigor and attention for detail
• A good knowledge of Matlab, Simulink, Python and Latex is an asset
• You have a strong interest in renewable energy, grid flexibility, power grid distribution and power quality with both scientific and practical skills
• You combine being an active team player with a strong sense of autonomy and responsibility.
• You have good communication and writing skills and have an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
• You are willing to absorb notions of the Dutch language

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Send your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to Janj.desmet@ugent.be.
We do not accept late applications.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Jan Desmet Janj.Desmet@ugent.be, +32(0)56/32 20 30