Master Thesis in Power Electronic Systems: Grid-Forming Control in DC Microgrids (80-100%)
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Position Details
This position reports to:
R&D Team Lead
Your Role and Responsibilities
In this role, you will gain vocational experience through a temporary work placement (6 months). You will perform tasks as directed to acquire knowledge, support ABB's operations, and enhance your education and employment opportunities. The focus is on DC microgrids, which are low-voltage DC networks connecting various energy sources and devices that inherently use DC voltage, such as photovoltaic systems, batteries, electronic loads, and electric vehicles. A key challenge is maintaining the DC voltage within predefined limits while ensuring microgrid stability.
The goal of this thesis is to investigate and design control techniques for DC/DC converters that can stabilize DC voltage and share loads effectively between sources. The work will be conducted on-site in Baden-Dättwil, Switzerland, within the Corporate Research Center, Industrial Solutions department, Power Electronics System group.
The tasks include:
1. Perform a literature review on existing grid-forming control methods in DC microgrids.
2. Analyze the DC bus voltage regulation performance of these methods, focusing on their output impedance properties.
3. Conduct passivity analysis to understand stability characteristics.
4. Propose improvements based on analysis.
5. Develop a coordinated control design for heterogeneous converters to achieve a desired grid-forming response.
6. Summarize findings in a report.
You will join a dynamic, high-performing team where you can thrive.
Qualifications
* Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields.
* Prerequisites fulfilled for starting a master’s thesis at your university.
* Knowledge of programming (MATLAB & Simulink).
* Strong background in power electronics (converter modeling, operation) and control theory (stability analysis, classical control, converter control).
* Self-organized team player capable of working independently and collaboratively.
* Fluent in English communication.
* Non-EU/non-EFTA citizens: official enrollment in a Swiss university is required.
About Us
ABB Corporate Research collaborates with various ABB business areas to develop the next generation of ABB products. Located near Zurich, Switzerland, it employs about 120 scientists from over 20 countries, specializing in automation and power technologies for manufacturing, consumer, process industries, and power utilities. We look forward to your application. The recruitment process is led by Talent Partner Angelina Kothe. For more information, visit our website. Privacy Policy: https://new.abb.com/privacy-notice/candidate.
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