PhD candidate for developing highly efficient and ultra-wide range converter systems for DC power supplies

PhD candidate for developing highly efficient and ultra-wide range converter systems for DC power supplies
100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering of ETH Zurich conducts internationally leading research on power electronic converter systems, which are required, for example, in future energy distribution systems for the integration of renewable energy sources or in traction applications/electric vehicles. Another research focus is on solid-state pulse modulators for medical applications (computer tomography/cancer treatment) and accelerators (CERN). For the design and optimisation of the various power electronic systems, we develop advanced multi-physics models/digital twins/virtual prototypes at the component and system level. For a new research project on highly efficient power supplies for facility automation, we are looking for a: PhD candidate (100%) for developing highly efficient and ultra-wide range converter systems for DC power supplies

Job description

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with an outstanding academic background who are interested in pursuing a PhD in the research area of converter topologies and modulation strategies for low-power DC supplies with a very high efficiency and a very wide range of input voltages. Such supply systems are required for applications such as supplying actuators and sensors in facility automation, where the converters often operate in standby mode or at a relatively low load, with the full output power only being required for short periods when the actuator is active. Despite these supplies' typically low power level, the overall worldwide power consumption is substantial, and achieving a high efficiency at low power levels would allow to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by facility automation.

To push the efficiency limits of such DC supplies, you will develop new converter concepts for AC/DC power supplies with an ultra-wide input voltage range, which are highly efficient even at low output power levels. In a second step, you will develop multi-physics models of all relevant components to maximise the performance of the new converter concepts. These models should then be integrated into optimisation procedures for power electronic converter systems in a computationally efficient way to enable comprehensive system efficiency optimisations across a wide range. These models are also part of an ongoing modelling framework development project at HPE, offering the opportunity to collaborate with other PhD candidates on various modelling aspects. In a third step, you will validate the models and optimisation results by developing and operating various test setups and prototype systems in collaboration with an industry partner. Finally, you will explore the potential for integrating the novel converter concepts into a power integrated circuit. This would enable the incorporation of additional features and reduce system costs in the long term.

Profile

• You must have a diploma/M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering with excellent grades
• Fundamental knowledge of power electronic converter systems
• Good communication skills
• Fluency in English
• The willingness to fully commit yourself as part of an international team.
• In addition, you should be interested in the detailed modelling and design of magnetic components and the optimisation of power electronic systems.

Workplace
Workplace
We offer

• Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
• We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
• You can expect numerous benefits, such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ, childcare and attractive pension benefits
• Our laboratory offers a challenging and scientifically highly exciting full-time position in a dynamic, international team at one of the world-wide leading technical universities
• We strongly encourage participation at international conferences and offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits as well as outstanding research and laboratory facilities for your experiments

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us – we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So are we.

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

• Comprehensive CV
• Your B.S. and M.Sc. transcripts
• Electronic copies of the B.Sc/M.Sc. thesis and/or your publications (if available)
• Names/adresses of references

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Further information about Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) can be found on our website. For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jürgen Biela, Tel or e-mail (no applications).

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