PhD Project in Market Mechanisms for the Integration of Distributed Energy Resources
Danmarks Tekniske Universitet
Lyngby-Taarbæk, 1 stilling
DTU Compute would like to invite applications for a 3-year PhD position focused on investigating market mechanisms for the integration of distributed energy resources, starting January 1st, 2016. The position is linked to the European project “SmartNet – Smart TSO-DSO interaction schemes, market architectures and ICT solutions for the integration of ancillary services from demand side management and distributed generation,” which has a total budget of €12.6 million from the EU-Horizon 2020 program and involves a wide range of industrial and academic partners. Research activities in SmartNet are intended to develop, implement and demonstrate ICT-based market solutions for the exploitation of distributed energy resources.
Project Description
Future power systems will call for leveraging distributed energy resources (DERs) in the form of flexible power loads and dispersed generating units (e.g., electric vehicles, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, supermarket refrigeration systems, buildings, wastewater treatment plants, etc.). To this end, new market mechanisms at the distribution level are to be designed for the efficient exploitation of these energy resources. These market mechanisms will require coordination and interaction between Transmission and Distribution System Operators, and will allow for the participation of aggregators and traders capable of marketing these energy sources all the way through from the “local markets” on the distribution level to the wholesale electricity markets on the transmission level. Within this context, and in collaboration with the SmartNet partners, this PhD will focus on:
1.The development of mathematical models describing the dynamics of individual distributed energy resources (e.g., electric vehicles, photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, supermarket refrigeration systems, buildings, wastewater treatment plants, etc.) and the distribution grid by the combined use of data and physical knowledge.
2.Building aggregation/disaggregation models for a pool of distributed energy sources.
3.The design of market mechanisms to allow for distributed-generation and demand-side bidding.
4.The development of bidding strategies for a portfolio of DERs under different TSO-DSO interaction schemes and market architectures.
Requirements
Candidates must have a master degree in computational science and engineering (CSE), applied mathematics, or engineering, or equivalent academic qualifications. Preference will be given to candidates who can document strong skills in statistical and mathematical modelling and optimization, software development and, in addition, have a background in energy markets and systems. Good knowledge of modelling and optimization tools (GAMS, Gurobi, Cplex, etc.) and data-handling and programming software (R, Matlab, Python, etc.) is an advantage. Furthermore, good command of the English language (orally and in writing) is essential.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in the ITMAN Graduate School Programme of DTU Compute.
For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Dr. Juan M. Morales and Prof. Henrik Madsen.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
Further Information
Further information concerning the project can be obtained from Juan M. Morales, jmmgo@dtu.dk and Henrik Madsen, hmad@dtu.dk.
Further information concerning the application is available at the DTU Compute PhD homepage or by contacting PhD coordinator Ulla Jensen +45 4525 3359.
Application
Applications must be submitted in English as one single PDF, and we must have your online application by January 4th 2016. Please open the link in the red bar in the top of the page: "apply online" (“ansøg online”).
Applications must include:
•application (letter of motivation)
•CV
•documentation of a relevant completed M.Sc. or M.Eng.-degree
•course and grade list of bachelor and master degrees
•Calculation of the weighted grade average, see guidelines here
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Compute conducts research and provides teaching in the fields of mathematics, modeling and computer science. The expanding mass of information and the increasingly complex use of advanced technology in society demand development of advanced computer based mathematical models and calculations. The unique skills of the department are in high demand in IT innovation and production.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
