PhD in Scalable and Intelligent Control of Multi-Carrier Energy Hubs

Introduction

Are you driven by rigorous control design for large-scale dynamical systems Do you want to develop scalable Model Predictive Control (MPC) architectures for complex multi-commodity energy networks operating under constraints and uncertainty This PhD position focuses developing scalable Model Predictive Control architectures for complex multi-commodity energy networks operating under constraints and uncertainty within the BACH project a real -life demonstration project on TU/e campus.

Job Description

Future energy infrastructures integrate electricity heat gas storage and electric mobility into tightly coupled multi-commodity networks. These systems exhibit high-dimensional state spaces strong interconnections multi-timescale dynamics mixed-integer operational decisions and market-driven economic objectives. Traditional rule-based strategies are structurally inadequate while centralized MPC approaches face scalability limitations.

In this PhD project you will develop theoretically grounded and computationally scalable hierarchical and distributed MPC architectures for large-scale multi-commodity energy systems.

Research Objectives

• Design multi-layer control hierarchies separating regulatory control supervisory MPC and real-time economic optimization.
• Analyze stability recursive feasibility and closed-loop performance under hierarchical coordination.
• Develop distributed and decentralized MPC formulations using primal and dual decomposition methods.
• Establish convergence guarantees and communication-efficient coordination mechanisms.
• Apply graph-theoretic and network-based decomposition methods for control-relevant system partitioning.
• Perform computational complexity and scalability analysis for real-time feasibility.

The project combines constrained optimal control nonlinear and hybrid systems large-scale optimization network science and energy system modeling. Results are expected to lead to high-quality publications in leading control and optimization journals.

Job Requirements

• A masters degree (or equivalent) in Systems & Control Electrical Engineering Energy Systems Applied Mathematics or a closely related field.
• A research-oriented attitude with strong analytical and mathematical skills.
• Interest in optimization Model Predictive Control and large-scale systems.
• Programming experience (e.g. Python MATLAB Julia or similar).
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and collaborate with industrial partners.
• Motivation to develop teaching skills and support BSc/MSc 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.
• Unlimited access to the modern oncampus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate for you and if applicable your partner.
• 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.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13000 students and more than 7000 staff forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

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.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more Please contact the hiring manager Leyla Özkan .

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. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

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.