PhD in Power System Black Start Services from Utility-Scale Hybrid Power Plants

Organisation/Company Technical University Of Denmark Department DTU Wind and Energy Systems Research Field Engineering » Systems engineering Engineering » Electrical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Denmark Application Deadline 7 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Copenhagen) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Would you like to become part of the solution toward green energy transition, by helping develop the methods for modeling renewable power plants and future energy systems? The Renewable Plants in Energy Systems (RES) section at DTU Wind and Energy Systems is inviting candidates to apply for a PhD in “Power System Black Start Services from Utility-Scale Hybrid Power Plants”. The research in this section is multidisciplinary, and you will enjoy the advantages of a creative and inspiring work environment. You will get the opportunity to participate and influence the development of advanced renewable power plants in collaboration with top universities and industry in the field of wind energy research in Europe and globally. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. We develop talent by offering national/European and global networking opportunities, unique research infrastructure including a fully controllable MW-scale hybrid power plant at our campus, and a collaborative research environment. Job profile This PhD scholarship is fully funded through a recently awarded European Doctoral Network (DN) project funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme. DN programme provides training through doctoral research to talented early-stage researchers. The researchers, in this project called WindConnect, will enroll in PhD programmes and be employed for 36 months within a network of universities and industry partners addressing the design, modelling, control, and techno-economic optimization of wind turbines, wind farms, and hybrid power plants (HPPs). Through this program, 15 Researchers will receive cutting‑edge technical, entrepreneurial and soft‑skill training, benefiting from industrial secondments, co‑supervision, and access to a robust network of industrial partners and advanced experimental facilities. These efforts empower the next generation of highly skilled researchers and engineers to drive technological innovation, enhance energy security, reinforce Europe’s leadership in green energy technologies, support the transition to a sustainable, decarbonised energy future, and help meet climate targets. Eligibility criteria They must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment and should have less than four years of full-time research experience following the degree that qualifies them for PhD studies. Additionally, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in Denmark for more than 12 months within the 36 months immediately preceding the recruitment date. Project background Hybrid power plants (HPPs), combining wind, solar, and energy storage behind a single grid connection, are gaining traction for their potential to increase energy yield and profitability. With multiple converters and technologies, HPPs offer enhanced capabilities for advanced grid services. However, control and coordination across diverse assets remain a major challenge, especially for emerging services like black start. Research in this area is still in its early stages, presenting exciting opportunities for innovation. As conventional fossil‑fuel generators are phased out, converter‑connected renewable sources like wind power must take on critical power system services such as black start and system restoration. While black start capabilities from individual renewable plants are being explored, research on HPPs in this context is nearly absent. Delivering black start from HPPs requires coordinated control across diverse technologies and storage systems, with careful management of stability, transient behaviour, and system stress. Control modes must adapt across different phases of black start, while accounting for uncertain renewable resource availability and interoperability across multiple control layers. To address this, the objective of this project is to develop a black start strategy for hybrid power plants (HPPs), focusing on control, protection, and system stability. It will model a utility‑scale HPP that includes an offshore wind power plant, an onshore solar power plant, and onshore energy storage systems, all relevant for black start studies. The project will develop electromagnetic transient (EMT), root mean square (RMS), and statistical models to support control and stability analysis for black start service provision. As part of the WindConnect research consortium you will interact with researchers and experts across the network. This requires strong collaboration and communication skills, enabling you to contribute to the ambitious goals of the project. You will also have the opportunity to cooperate with leading European research institutes and are expected to undertake external research stays of approximately 6–9 months at other partners within the consortium. Responsibilities and qualifications During your PhD studies, you will model and develop advanced operational strategies needed for an HPP for a reliable black start. You are expected to identify the potential of utility‑scale, multi‑technology HPPs to provide black start services. It will model an HPP combining offshore wind, onshore solar, and energy storage systems, tailored for black start studies. A comprehensive black start strategy will be developed, addressing control coordination, technology interaction, and controller stability to support system restoration. Finally, the project will quantify the added value of black start services from HPPs compared to single‑technology renewable plants, emphasizing improved availability and reliability. As part of your PhD studies, you will publish your work in reputed journals and present it at peer‑reviewed scientific conferences. A detailed project plan will be developed with the supervisors within the first two months after enrollment. You will also play an important supporting role in the deliverables of IEA Wind Task 50 on Hybrid Power Plants. You will also need to assist in the co‑supervision of MSc theses and provide teaching assistance in courses taught at DTU for a limited number of hours. Requirements MSc degree in power system engineering, electrical engineering, control systems or closely related fields. Strong foundation in converter control, power system dynamics, and control theory. Experience with modeling and simulation tools such as PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, or similar. Familiarity with EMT and RMS modeling approaches. Understanding of converter‑based generation systems (wind, solar, storage). Knowledge of grid services, especially black start and system restoration. Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct independent theoretical and applied research. Proficient skills (written and verbal) in English and ability to work across disciplines and cultures. The successful candidate must also fulfill the requirements for admission to a PhD program at DTU. You must have a two‑year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two‑year master’s degree. Approval and Enrolment The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education. We offer DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. Salary and appointment terms The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Starting date is 1st April 2026 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full‑time position. The period of employment is 3 years. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. Further information Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Kaushik Das ( ), Associate Professor Anca D. Hansen ( ) and Head of Section Gregor Giebel ( ). Application procedure Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 7 December 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include: A letter motivating the application (cover letter) Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale. A 1‑page research statement, including figures and references if deemed necessary (max 500 words). Research achievements (if any), methodological approaches and research objectives relevant to the framework of the PhD study are recommended elements to be included. You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Equal Opportunity Statement All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open‑source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position. About DTU Wind and Energy Systems DTU Wind and Energy Systems has led wind energy research, teaching, and commercial activities since the 1970s. With approximately 400 staff, it is the world's largest public research institute dedicated to wind and energy systems transition. Internationally recognized for pioneering wind technology and smart energy systems, the department is structured into four divisions: Materials and Components, Wind Turbine Technology, Wind Energy Systems, and Power and Energy Systems. In close collaboration with industry and public authorities, DTU Wind and Energy Systems develops cutting‑edge solutions for a sustainable energy future and trains the next generation of engineers. The Wind Energy Systems division focuses the development of a chain of systems that connects Atmosphere‑Plant‑Grid‑Society. The division is home to several large software projects and datasets that help to disseminate this research to the industry and public. DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world. #J-18808-Ljbffr