Postdoc Position in EMT Reference Models of Microgrids and Customer-side Assets for UTOPYS

University of Twente - Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science; Enschede; On-site; EUR 49,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands invites applications for a postdoctoral position in EMT reference models of microgrids and customer-side assets for UTOPYS. The role focuses on developing plug & play EMT models, building an RTDS library, and contributing to open data and publications.

The project aims to advance real-time power system simulation with a multidisciplinary team across EEMCS, Open source libraries, and industry collaborations. Deadline 5 November.

Qualifications

• PhD in electrical engineering or a closely related field.
• Strong background in power system dynamics and EMT simulation.
• Experience with modelling, simulation and analysis of power systems using listed tools.
• Proficient in programming languages such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, and C++.
• Ability to publish results in international journals and conferences.
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary, international environment.
• Commitment to open science.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate EMT models of microgrids and customer-side components in RTDS/RSCAD.
• Create an RTDS library of components and a reusable microgrid model.
• Assemble reference system models to study islanding, instability, and transitions.
• Document, version-control, test, and validate models and data.
• Publish models, datasets and methods open access; present at journals/conferences.

Skills

Power system dynamics

EMT simulation

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

C++

Scientific writing

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering or closely related field

Tools

OpenDSS

pandapower

Matpower

PSCAD

DiGSILENT PowerFactory

RSCAD/RTDS

Simulink/Simscape

OPAL-RT

Typhoon HIL

PyPSA

Job description

Postdoc Position in EMT Reference Models of Microgrids and Customer-side Assets for UTOPYS

University of Twente - Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Enschede, Netherlands

€ 4,422 - € 5,760 per month gross

The Faculty of EEMCS, the Power Electronics and Mathematics of Operations Research groups at the University of Twente are hiring a postdoctoral researcher to join a multidisciplinary research team to help build the model library at the heart of UTOPYS, a new national facility for real-time power system simulation!

Future power systems are converter-dominated, fast, and interconnected across scales that today's modelling tools cannot capture. UTOPYS (Understanding Large and Complex Power Systems) addresses this with a state-of-the-art real-time power system simulator: a large RTDS cluster at TU Delft's ESP Lab that simulates thousands of nodes in full electromagnetic transient (EMT) detail, in real time, and that can be coupled to hardware, SCADA systems and other simulators. This infrastructure will enable unprecedented research into the dynamics, control, and market design of future power systems dominated by renewables, power electronics, and cyber-physical interactions.

UTOPYS is a state-of-the-art real-time power system simulator. A simulator of this size is only as valuable as the models that run on it. The first phase of UTOPYS is therefore dedicated to the UTOPYS Library: an open, modular and validated collection of EMT component models, reference system models, scenarios and datasets that will serve the consortium, external academic users and industry for the coming decade.

We are looking for one postdoc to join UTOPYS and build part of this Open Source Library, developing plug & play EMT reference models of customer-side assets and the microgrids they form: e.g., residential and small commercial connections, PV, batteries, EV charging, heat pumps and flexible demand with grid-forming (GFM) and grid-following (GFL) converters, covering weak-grid and islanded operation, GFM/GFL transitions and black start, with a flexible level of detail.

Your key responsibilities as Postdoc (include but are not limited to):

• Develop and validate EMT models of microgrids and customer-side components in RSCAD/RTDS, for example converters and their controls (GFM and GFL), PV panels, EV chargers, Heat-Pumps, energy storage, backup generators, loads and flexibility assets, taking into account their link to a tertiary control layer such as an Energy Management System;
• Create an RTDS library of customer-side, microgrid and converter-based components, and a working, realistic RTDS microgrid model built from those components that can be integrated with the larger UTOPYS RTDS model;
• Combine that library into reference system models that reproduce the phenomena UTOPYS is meant to study at this part of the power system, such as islanding, frequency and voltage collapse, converter-driven instability, interoperability under different control strategies, transition from GFM to GFL and vice versa, black start capability;
• Work out how such models are built to last: conversion from other tools, parameterisation, scalability and model reduction, documentation, version control, testing and validation criteria;
• Publish your models, datasets and methods open access, and present them in journals and at conferences.

The answers you develop will shape how UTOPYS is used for the next decade.

Your profile

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, power systems or a closely related field;
• A solid background in power system dynamics and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation;
• Proven experience with modelling, simulation and analysis of power systems (steady-state and dynamic) using software such as OpenDSS, pandapower, Matpower, PSCAD, DiGSILENT PowerFactory, RSCAD/RTDS, EMTP, Simulink/Simscape, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, or PyPSA;
• Proven experience with programming languages, e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, Python, c++, etc.;
• Strong ability to present results effectively and prepare scientific papers for publication in international journals and conferences;
• Creative mindset with excellent problem-solving, writing, analytical, and communication skills;
• Able to work independently while demonstrating strong teamwork skills in an interdisciplinary and international environment;
• Enthusiasm for open science.

Desirable:

• Hands-on experience with RTDS/RSCAD, real-time simulation or hardware-in-the-loop set-ups;
• Expertise in one or more of: converter control and grid-forming/grid-following operation; microgrids modelling; model order reduction; parameter estimation and model validation; large-scale or synthetic network modelling;
• Experience in converting or interfacing models between different simulation tools;
• Experience in contributing to courses and training;
• Experience in coordinating technical work across a team or between partners: setting modelling standards or interfaces, integrating contributions from others, leading a work package or acting as technical lead.

Deadline 5 November