PhD Position Long-term Condition Prediction of SF6-free Alternative Insulation Gases

TSO’s like TenneT in the Netherlands and Germany are dealing with the technical challenge of introducing alternatives to SF6 in new high voltage equipment, such as gas insulated switchgear (GIS) and Gas insulated lines (GIL).
Manufacturers are developing new alternatives to SF6. However, as SF6 has many advantages which are hard to match, the real panacea has not been developed, especially not for the higher voltage ratings (150 kV and above). The so far best developed alternatives are based on a mixture of CO2, O2 and C4-FN.
TenneT decided to construct a 380 kV substation, based on GIS and using long outdoor GIL connections. This GIL will be filled with mixtures of CO2, O2 and C4-FN. Although there is 6 years of operational experience with HV GIL insulated by C4-FN mixtures, there is less experience and maturity compared to SF6 regarding the full lifetime, performance in limit cases and monitoring of the insulating properties. So far, these topics have not been researched in depth as manufacturers are still focused on the development of alternative switchgears for the different voltage and current ratings.
TU Delft is hiring a PhD student whose main goal is to obtain knowledge on the behaviour of the C4-FN mixtures (pure as gas, but also combined with GIS/GIL enclosures and spacers) over a longer period of time and/or aged by adding normally appearing by-products. The final goal of the PhD-program is to ensure full lifetime operation of a GIL with a C4-FN-based mixture without unpredicted outage, by understanding the deterioration processes.
We offer a four-year PhD appointment, with an anticipated start date between 01-07-2024 and 01-09-2024. You will be supervised by ir. André Lathouwers, dr.ir. Dennis van der Born and Prof.ir. Peter Vaessen.
Your research is part of a drive towards a reliable and sustainable energy system in the Netherlands. Which is why you’ll work closely with the Dutch high voltage transmission system operator TenneT TSO. You will be coaching and mentoring master students. Fostering a synergetic, open-minded, and win-together culture, we regularly interact and share views, unlocking opportunities, forms of incubation, and deployment of knowledge and ground-breaking developments. We also stimulate a healthy and inclusive work environment in which you can bring out the best in yourself. And we value autonomy, professionalism, and a balanced work-life approach.
You will benefit from extensive training in technical and transferrable skills.

Requirements:

Essential job requirements

• Completed a Master's and Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Sustainable Energy Technology, Applied Physics or equivalent.
• Excellent academic record (grades of B (8) or higher).
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.
• Very good command of English. The minimum requirement of a TOEFL overall band score of 100 (with scores of at least 21 for all sections) or IELTS overall band score of 7.0 (with scores of at least 6.5 for all sections: writing, reading, listening, speaking) applies to all candidates wanting to pursue a PhD at TU Delft.
• Ability to read and critically analyse high voltage technology, materials and asset management papers.
• Strong knowledge of high voltage constructions and measurement/diagnostic techniques.
• You enjoy performing research. You are independent, self-motivated, and eager to learn.
• You are keen to work with industry partners to link real-world challenges to fundamental research questions.

Desirables

• Experience with Matlab and COMSOL.
• Experience with collaborative software development (e.g. commercial and open source).

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Salary Benefits:

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2