PhD candidate for developing concepts for active/passive EMI/input filters and tools for filter design optimisation

ETH Zürich • Zürich • vor 2M

The Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering of ETH Zurich conducts internationally leading research on power electronic converter systems, which are required, for example, in future energy distribution systems for the integration of renewable energy sources or in traction applications/electric vehicles. Another research focus is on solid-state pulse modulators for medical applications (computer tomography/cancer treatment) and accelerators (CERN). For the design and optimisation of the various power electronic systems, we develop advanced multi-physics models/digital twins/virtual prototypes at the component and system level. For a new research project on EMI/input filters of power electronic converters, we are looking for a: PhD candidate (100%) for developing concepts for active/passive EMI/input filters and tools for filter design optimisation

Job description

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with an outstanding academic background who are interested in pursuing a PhD in the important and multidisciplinary research area of EMI/input filters for power electronic converter systems as for example 3-phase rectifiers or converters in electric vehicles. EMI and/or input filters are key elements for reducing the noise emission and harmonics, so that the converters meet the relevant standards/grid codes. However, they substantially increase the size of the converter and also reduce the system efficiency. Furthermore, the filter can impair the system stability. The rapid development of new semiconductors (e.g. wide bandgap SiC MOSFETs/GaN HEMTs) results in constantly increasing switching speeds, so that more noise at higher frequencies is emitted and the parasitic elements of the filter as well as the layout have a larger impact on the achievable filter attenuation. Minimising the filter volume exacerbates this issue, since it typically leads to increased parasitic electric and magnetic coupling between the different filter elements. This makes the filter design even more challenging. To address this challenge, you will first investigate new concepts for passive as well as active filter concepts that allow to minimise the filter volume and the losses. In a second step, you will develop novel filter design procedures that consider not only the filter attenuation, but also the HF losses, the temperature distribution and the impact of the filter on controller stability. For validating the new concepts as well as the design procedure you will build prototype systems and perform comprehensive measurements in the fully equipped HPE laboratory.

The new filter design procedure should be integrated in a computationally efficient way into optimisation procedures for power electronic converters and are essential for achieving outstanding system efficiencies and power densities as well as for gaining a competitive edge. This project is part of an ongoing wider modelling framework development at HPE and also offers the opportunity to collaborate with other PhD candidates.

Profile

The candidate must have a diploma/M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering with excellent grades, fundamental knowledge of power electronic converter systems, good communication skills, fluency in English and the willingness to fully commit yourself as part of an international team. In addition, you should be interested in the detailed modelling and design of EMI/input filters as well as the optimisation of power electronic systems.

We offer

Your job with impact: Become part of ETH Zurich, which not only supports your professional development, but also actively contributes to positive change in society
We are actively committed to a sustainable and climate-neutral university
You can expect numerous benefits , such as public transport season tickets and car sharing, a wide range of sports offered by the ASVZ , childcare and attractive pension benefits
Our laboratory offers a challenging and scientifically highly exciting full-time position in a dynamic, international team at one of the world-wide leading technical universities
We strongly encourage participation at international conferences and offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits as well as outstanding research and laboratory facilities for your experiments

> Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity and sustainability

In line with our values , ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish. Sustainability is a core value for us - we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future .