Ph.D. candidate for designing, modelling & optimising charging systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devices

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 mobility. Another research focus is on solid-state pulse modulators for medical applications (computer tomography/cancer treatment) and accelerators (CERN). For a new research project on future electrical vehicle drive systems, we are recruiting a Ph.D. candidate for designing, modelling & optimising charging systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devices.

We are seeking individuals with outstanding academic credentials and a high level of motivation to engage in doctoral-level research on the development of efficient charging systems for future electric vehicles with a battery system voltage exceeding 1 kV. The project will investigate stationary high-power charging stations and solutions for multi-input capable onboard "combo"-chargers. The high-power charging station should be designed to facilitate direct current (DC) fast charging with voltages exceeding 1 kV and charging currents exceeding 500 A. The target is to charge the vehicle from 20% to at least 80% state of charge in less than 10 minutes. The "combo"-charger should be designed as a flexible onboard charger with maximal 22 kW, which can handle different input voltage levels and which can operate with DC and AC input voltages. There, the system efficiency should be very high despite the different input voltages and the target is to achieve a high-power density and a low weight.

The research project will commence with a comprehensive review and evaluation of existing charging concepts, with a particular focus on efficient and compact solutions. Based on this review, it is necessary to develop own solutions and identify the optimal overall concept, taking into account given performance criteria. For the identified optimal concepts, models for the converter, including modulation, as well as for the passive components and the thermal management, should be developed. With these models, the design and the operational parameters of the charging solutions are optimised for efficiency, power density, and cost. The basis for the converter systems are novel GaN devices, which enable an efficient operation at high switching frequencies. In a final step, you should validate the optimised design of the onboard charger by a prototype system.

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 investigation and modelling of converter topologies for battery charging, modulation schemes and the design of power electronic systems.

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. Furthermore, we strongly encourage participation at international conferences and offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits as well as outstanding research and laboratory facilities for experimental work. In the project with a duration of approximately 3-4 years, you will also cooperate with industry partners.