PhD-student Integrated electric powertrains

 

Position: PhD-student Integrated electric powertrains for the next generation EVs

Ghent University is a top 100 university worldwide and one of the major universities in Belgium, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members. At the department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering (ESME), the design and multiphysics modeling of electrical machines and power electronics is an important research topic.

Within ESME, the electrical machines and power electronics research team is looking for a qualified and motivated candidate to perform academic research on cost effective, compact and integrated electric powertrains for the next generation EVs, targeting a PhD. In this research, the traction inverter and motor combination will be used to create an electric gear, as well as to introduce an on-board charger functionality. This will require adaptations to the traction inverter and motor. In the traction inverter, additional reconfiguration switches will be added to allow operation in the different modes. In the electric motor, the coils will be split up into multiple modules that can be rearranged as a function of the operation mode. Finally, this new traction inverter will be physically integrated into a (in-wheel) motor using the latest SiC-FET technology.

You will be challenged to work on several aspects: multiphysics modelling of the power electronics and electrical machines, development and implementation of low-level control algorithms, and experimental work a.o. building the traction inverter and testing it on a full scale prototype.

We offer you the opportunity to do full-time research in a highly international and friendly working environment, with a competitive salary at Ghent University. As a researcher within the electrical machines and power electronics team, you will publish and present your research results at major international conferences and in scientific journals in order to pursue your PhD degree. One fully funded position as PhD student is available (1 year, which is extended to 4 years after a positive evaluation at the end of the first year).

Job profile

Your Profile

• You need to hold a relevant master’s degree (e.g. Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering, or equivalent) with demonstrated first-class performance (e.g., outstanding grades, thesis result, or publications).
• Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing.
• You can demonstrate mastery of the following core aspects:
• Design, modelling and control of power electronics
• Implementation of wide-bandgap semiconductors in power applications
• Dynamical modelling of electrical machines (and drives)
• You are a team player with good networking and reporting skills.

How to apply

Interested?

Great! Applications may be sent by email to Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be. Application deadline is May 31 2022. Please include cover letter, CV, and contact details of 1 to 3 referees. Do not include reference letters, these will be solicited by us. Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview and may get a small assignment. We offer you a flexible starting date, with a preference to start as soon as possible. For more information about the topic of the PhD itself, please contact Hendrik.Vansompel@UGent.be.