PhD in Optimal Operation of Multicommodity Energy Systems from a Market and Grid Perspective

Introduction
Are you inspired by the challenge of grid congestion and renewable integration? This PhD position focuses on net-aware modeling and optimal operation of multicommodity energy systems within the BACH project, a real-life demonstration project on TU/e campus.

Job Description
The BACH (Brainport Approach for a Congestion-free Holland) project addresses the increasing congestion in Dutch electricity distribution grids caused by the rapid growth of renewable energy generation and increased electrification of energy demand. Due to limited grid capacity and long connection queues, customers can no longer get a new connection, or expansion of an existing connection, this holds for both demand and supply. A large share of renewable generation cannot be connected or must be curtailed.

BACH develops a data-driven and proactive approach to congestion mitigation by integrating electricity, heat and gas systems into a multicommodity energy system. The optimal operation of a multicommodity energy system is demonstrated on TU/e campus. The real-life project data and results will be enriched to make them applicable on a large scale. Using distribution grid data, customer profiles and energy transition scenario’s, the project identifies where storage and conversion technologies can be deployed most effectively in the future to relieve grid congestion and increase renewable energy integration.

A central element of BACH is the development of an open-architecture Multicommodity Energy Management System (MC-EMS) and associated impact analysis tools, which together enable grid-aware and market-aware operation of multicommodity energy hubs. The concepts and tools are validated in a real-life mirror location at the TU/e campus and designed for scalability towards regional and national application.

This PhD project focuses on the modeling and optimal operation of multicommodity energy systems under explicit distribution grid constraints. The research addresses how real grid congestion information can be systematically incorporated into system models and operational decision-making.

The PhD candidate will develop:

• Net-aware models of multicommodity energy systems that explicitly account for distribution grid constraints;
• Optimization-based operational strategies for multicommodity energy systems, from an economic (energy market) and grid perspective, coordinating storage, conversion and flexible demand across multiple energy carriers;
• Framework to assess the effectiveness of net-aware multi-commodity energy systems in a regional context, considering regional energy demand and supply as well as the future effects of the energy transition on changes in demand and supply.

The developed models and strategies will be validated using real grid data and real operational conditions, with the TU/e campus serving as a full-scale validation environment. The results of this research will contribute to scalable, congestion-aware energy management concepts that support large-scale integration of renewable energy without immediate grid reinforcement.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in .
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Experience with software engineering and system modelling.
• 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 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.

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 13,000 students and more than 7,000 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 Dr. Christina Papadimitriou, c.papadimitriou@tue.nl.

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

Curious to hear more about what it’s 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.

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• Je begeleidt dossiers van begin tot eind en houdt alles overzichtelijk.
• Je hebt stevige kennis van belastingen en vennootschapsregels en past dit doelgericht toe.
• Je maakt cijfers helder en bespreekt ze actief met ondernemers.
• Je denkt mee over slimme fiscale en financiële keuzes die echt iets opleveren voor de klant.

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• Je leidt een enthousiast team van 3 tot 5 advisors en zorgt dat iedereen vlot samenwerkt en resultaten boekt.
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• Je zit zelf met klanten aan tafel, luistert, adviseert en denkt strategisch met hen mee.
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Senior Dossierbeheerder - Bedrijfswagen

• Zelfstandig opstellen en opvolgen van boekhoudkundige en fiscale dossiers
• Adviseren van klanten inzake financiële en administratieve aangelegenheden
• Bijdragen aan het optimaliseren van interne processen en de klantentevredenheid
• Zorgdragen voor correcte en tijdige rapportering

Senior Dossierbeheerder + bedrijfswagen

• Je begeleidt dossiers van begin tot eind en houdt alles overzichtelijk.
• Je hebt stevige kennis van belastingen en vennootschapsregels en past dit doelgericht toe.
• Je maakt cijfers helder en bespreekt ze actief met ondernemers.
• Je denkt mee over slimme fiscale en financiële keuzes die echt iets opleveren voor de klant.