"PhD on Battery Modelling, State Estimation, Fault Diagnosis and Control"

Job Description

We are looking for 4 highly motivated PhD students to join our research team for a project focused on battery modelling, state estimation, fault diagnosis and control.

Information

Batteries are at the core of the sustainable energy transition by powering electric vehicles and allowing for better utilization of the electricity grid. Yet, unlocking the full potential of batteries requires a deeper understanding of how battery modules need to be designed and how batteries themselves behave, age, remain safe and how most of their energy can be exploited. We are looking for 4 PhD students that wish to advance the science of battery modelling, state estimation, fault diagnosis and control by developing the intelligent battery management systems that will make energy storage safer, more efficient, and longer-lasting. You will be working at the intersection of battery modelling and algorithm development, with a strong emphasis on the data-driven modelling and control aspects. You will contribute to shaping the technologies that underpin a more sustainable and electrified future.

The research will take under the umbrella of the project “Development of the Dutch CIrcular Manufacturing industry and BATTery value chain for heavy duty mobility” (CIMBATT), which is part of an 8-year program on circular battery technology. The project aims to develop new-generation innovative and circular battery packs for heavy-duty trucks, busses, mobile machines, maritime and aviation applications, focusing on battery module design and battery management system design. The group will collaborate with the leading stakeholders in the Dutch battery ecosystem to develop and demonstrate the next-generation algorithms and models for the future Battery Management System.

The four PhD students will work on topics related to:

• Physics-based battery modelling and model identification, including thermal behavior and ageing and experiments that lead to accelerated ageing. This requires developing understanding of the underlying physics, methods for data-driven modelling and numerical mathematics leading to computationally fast methods
• State-of-X (where X is charge, health and/or function) estimation at the pack level. This requires developing computationally efficient algorithms for state estimation that will work in real battery packs
• Control algorithms for active cell balancing and Megawatt Charging Systems (MCSs). This requires developing solutions for solving large-scale control problems (as a pack consists of a large number of cells)
• Fault detection and predictive maintenance. As fleet owners continuously monitor the batteries in their fleet, methods are needed that can predict upcoming failures, to allow for timely servicing the batteries, or to change the operating conditions to ensure safety.

Besides conducting research, you will also contribute to the educational programs in which the group is active by assisting in our course program as well as co-supervision of BSc and MSc students. This will allow developing indispensable skills

Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Systems and Control, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or equivalent
• Strong background in Systems and Control
• An interest in batteries
• Proven programming skills in Matlab and/or Python
• A research-oriented attitude
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level)

Conditions of Employment

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

Additional Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Tijs Donkers, Associate professor, m.c.f.donkers@tue.nl or +31 40 247 2300.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.ee@tue.nl.

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