PhD scholarship - New-Generation Control of Hybrid Wind, Solar and Battery Power Plants - DTU Wind

DTU Wind - Risø 125; Roskilde; On-site; DKK 360,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU Wind and Energy Systems in Denmark invites applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship on New-Generation Control of Hybrid Wind, Solar and Battery Power Plants under the WindConnect European Doctoral Network.

You will develop a two-layer, technology-agnostic control architecture, combine modelling with experimental validation in collaboration with European Energy, and contribute to an international, multidisciplinary research environment.

Qualifications

• MSc degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in electrical engineering, power system engineering, control engineering, or related field.
• Strong fundamentals in power-system dynamics and control.
• Experience with dynamic modelling and simulation using MATLAB/Simulink, Python, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD or comparable software.
• Strong analytical and research skills; ability to conduct independent research.

Responsibilities

• Model and benchmark state-of-the-art HPP control architectures, including dynamic behaviour and grid-service performance.
• Identify interoperability, communication, and coordination challenges across assets, vendors, and control layers.
• Design and implement a two-layer controller linking fast local responses with plant-wide coordination.
• Evaluate architecture using high-fidelity modelling and simulation (MATLAB/Simulink, Python) and, where feasible, experimental testing at DTU's facility.
• Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences; contribute to WindConnect activities.

Skills

Power systems

Control engineering

Research skills

Independent research

English communication

Education

MSc degree in electrical/power systems or control engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

PSCAD

Job description

PhD scholarship - New-Generation Control of Hybrid Wind, Solar and Battery Power Plants - DTU Wind

European Doctoral Network – WindConnect | DTU Wind and Energy Systems | Fully funded · 36 months.

Shape the future of hybrid renewable power plants

Join the Renewable Power Plants (RPP) section at DTU Wind and Energy Systems and help shape the next generation of control systems for hybrid wind, solar, and battery power plants. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong interest in power systems and renewable energy integration, who are motivated by developing technical, practical solutions to complex real-world challenges and thrive in a highly international and collaborative research environment.

In this fully funded three-year PhD project, you will develop an innovative, technology-agnostic control architecture for hybrid power plants, combining advanced modelling with opportunities for experimental validation in collaboration with European Energy.

The position is part of the WindConnect European Doctoral Network, bringing together 15 PhD researchers across leading European universities and industry partners to advance the next generation of wind energy technology.

Why choose this PhD?

• Unique experimental infrastructure. In close collaboration with European Energy, you will gain hands‑on exposure to DTU’s MW‑scale hybrid power plant research facility, one of only a few such testbeds worldwide. The facility offers opportunities to explore your control concepts in a realistic operational environment, subject to feasibility and access.
• European research community. As part of WindConnect, you will join a vibrant network of 15 doctoral researchers, collaborate with leading academic and industry partners across Europe, and undertake 6-9 months of research stays at partner institutions.
• High‑impact research. Your work will help hybrid renewable power plants provide reliable grid services and support the transition to power systems with higher shares of wind and solar energy, with potential implications for grid operators, plant developers, and energy policy.
• Broad career development. Benefit from technical and transferable‑skills training, industrial secondments, international conference participation, peer‑reviewed publications, and a strong professional network across academia and industry.

About the project

Hybrid Power Plants (HPPs), combining wind, solar PV, and battery energy storage behind a single grid connection point, are emerging as a cornerstone of future power systems. While they can provide grid services beyond the capabilities of individual technologies, coordinating assets from different vendors with varying response times and communication protocols remains a major challenge. Traditional control architectures struggle to reconcile fast local asset responses with slower plant‑level actions, while communication delays and interoperability issues add further complexity.

This PhD project addresses these challenges by developing a two‑layer, technology-agnostic control architecture for utility‑scale HPPs. The architecture is designed to improve interoperability, reduce communication overhead, and enhance the reliability and performance of hybrid power plants.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your research will focus on developing a two‑layer, technology-agnostic control architecture for utility- scale hybrid power plants (HPPs) integrating wind, solar PV, and battery storage. The architecture will enable direct communication between the HPP controller and individual asset controllers while addressing interoperability challenges across technologies and vendors. You will design control solutions that coordinate fast local responses with plant‑level objectives. The work will combine controller design, high‑fidelity modelling and simulation, and, where feasible, experimental evaluation in collaboration with European Energy.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Model and benchmark state‑of‑the‑art HPP control architectures, including dynamic behaviour and grid‑service performance.
• Identify interoperability, communication, and coordination challenges across assets, vendors, and control layers.
• Design and implement a two‑layer controller that connects fast local responses with plant‑wide coordination.
• Evaluate the proposed architecture using high‑fidelity modelling and simulation (e.g. MATLAB/Simulink and Python) and, where feasible, explore experimental testing at DTU's hybrid power plant facility.
• Publish findings in peer‑reviewed journals, present at international conferences, and contribute to IEA Wind Task 50 on Hybrid Power Plants.
• Participate in WindConnect training activities and provide limited support for MSc supervision and teaching at DTU.

What we are looking for

Essential qualifications

• MSc degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in electrical engineering, power system engineering, control engineering, or a related field.
• Sound fundamentals in power‑system dynamics and control, with an understanding of converter‑interfaced generation and storage.
• Experience with dynamic modelling and simulation using tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD or comparable software.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to conduct independent research.

Advantageous (nice to have qualifications)

• Familiarity with grid integration requirements, ancillary service provision, and/or multi‑vendor renewable power plant control.
• Experience in international or cross‑disciplinary research collaborations.
• Strong English communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration in international and multidisciplinary teams.

What we offer

• A fully funded 3‑year PhD position at DTU, offering co‑supervision by experienced researchers and close collaboration with European Energy and leading industry partners in an internationally recognised research environment.
• A collegial, diverse, and inclusive research environment that invests in your development, well‑being, and career growth through international networking, multidisciplinary collaboration, leadership training, and partnerships with leading universities and industry across Europe.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive research environment and strongly encourage applications from women and candidates from groups underrepresented in engineering and energy research. We value curiosity, motivation, and collaboration and welcome diverse career paths and backgrounds.

MSCA eligibility – please check before applying

This position is funded through the Marie Sklodowska‑Curie Actions (MSCA) European Doctoral Network. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• Have less than four years of full‑time equivalent research experience after obtaining the degree that qualifies them for PhD studies.
• Not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in Denmark for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date.

Please note: Applicants who do not meet these MSCA eligibility criteria cannot be considered for the position, regardless of their qualifications. Please verify your eligibility before applying.

You must have a two‑year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two‑year master's degree.

You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterised by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

What we offer

• A fully funded 3‑year PhD position at DTU, offering co‑supervision by experienced researchers and close collaboration with European Energy and leading industry partners in an internationally recognised research environment.
• A collegial, diverse, and inclusive research environment that invests in your development, well‑being, and career growth through international networking, multidisciplinary collaboration, leadership training, and partnerships with leading universities and industry across Europe.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to an equitable and inclusive research environment and strongly encourage applications from women and candidates from groups underrepresented in engineering and energy research. We value curiosity, motivation, and collaboration and welcome diverse career paths and backgrounds.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures

The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Anca D. Hansen ( [e-mail] ), Associate Professor Kaushik Das ( [e-mail] ) and Head of Section Gregor Giebel ( [e-mail] ).

You can read more at wind.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar "PhD relocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar" for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Wind and Energy Systems has led wind energy research, teaching, and commercial activities since the 1970s. With approximately 400 staff, it is the world's largest public research institute dedicated to wind and energy systems transition. Internationally recognized for pioneering wind technology and smart energy systems, the department is structured into four divisions: Materials and Components, Wind Turbine Technology, Wind Energy Systems, and Power and Energy Systems. In close collaboration with industry and public authorities, DTU Wind and Energy Systems develops cutting‑edge solutions for a sustainable energy future and trains the next generation of engineers.

About the Division: The Wind Energy Systems division focuses the development of a chain of systems that connects Atmosphere-Plant-Grid-Society. The division is home to several large software projects and datasets that help to disseminate this research to the industry and public.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829

DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.