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

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education research and valorization. We work towards a Smart Sustainable Society a Connected World and a healthy humanity (Care & Cure). Activities share an application-oriented character a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Introduction

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.

Job Description

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

Job Requirements

• A masters 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

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 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. 3059 - max. 3881).
• 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 childrens 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.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring managerTijs Donkers Associate professor or.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact .

Curious to hear more about what its like as a PhD candidate at TU/e Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.