PhD position in Energy Systems, Regional Modelling of Vehicle-to-Grid - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Job description

The faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development at the University of Gävle is seeking a PhD student to join the project “Energy Storage on Wheels”, together with supervisors and another doctoral student. The aim of the project is to explore ways of making electric vehicles storage capacity available to Distribution System Operators in the Swedish region of Gävleborg.

Your task will be to develop a region-wide power grid model that incorporates GW-scale bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid, V2G). We are looking for applicants with a Master’s degree in Energy Systems, preferably with a focus on electric power system engineering, and with an interest in or experience of the practical applications of V2G and how grid companies can develop business models that make use of electric vehicle capacity.

The admitted PhD student will also collaborate with the project’s other doctoral student in Environmental Science, who is conducting a social-LCA and systems analysis of energy storage alternatives for the region of Gävleborg.

The position is located in Gävle, and the majority of working time will be spent on campus.

Project description

The overall purpose of the project Energy Storage on Wheels is to enhance both electricity producers’ and vehicle owners’ ability to use electric cars as a resource for the power grid. Of all the batteries in the world, 90% are currently found in vehicles, which are used for transport only about 5% of the time. During the remaining time, these batteries could provide balancing power, buffer intermittent wind and solar generation, or secure redundancy during periods of high grid load, thereby enabling new grid connections where capacity is currently a limiting factor.

Widespread vehicle-to-grid thus increases the utilization rate of the grid, adds available capacity, and reduces the need for major new investments and costly capacity reservations. Reliable access to electricity makes the region more attractive for establishment and growth. At the same time, energy storage as a business model provides incentives for the transition to electric vehicles, in line with environmental targets.

The aim of the PhD project is to conduct a region-wide analysis of the power situation in Gävleborg and to develop a model for the region’s energy exchange. In addition, the potential for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) using the region’s 152,000 cars and 23,000 trucks and buses will be quantified.

The PhD position involves:

• conducting the research project,
• completing courses equivalent to at least 60 ECTS credits,
• teaching and carrying out administrative tasks,
• regularly participating in academic activities such as seminars and meetings,
• regularly participating in Energy Storage on Wheels activities such as meetings, workshops, and site visits.

Collaboration with external partners requires strong communication skills as well as initiative.

Qualifications

To be admitted to doctoral studies, applicants must meet both the general and specific entry requirements (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 35).

General eligibility applies to those who have completed a second-cycle degree, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (ECTS), of which at least 60 are at the second-cycle level, or who have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in another way, in Sweden or abroad.

Specific eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in Energy Systems applies to those who have completed a second-cycle degree in Energy Systems or another specialization deemed equivalent by the employer. Eligibility also applies to those with another second-cycle degree, provided that at least 60 credits are in a relevant subject area.

Admission and assessment

To be admitted, applicants must be deemed capable of benefiting from the education (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 7, Section 35). Admission is based on individual assessment. Read more about doctoral education and our admission and assessment criteria at: https://www.hig.se/engelska/university-of-gavle/research/phd-studies

The position requires:

• A well-developed ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Ability to collect and analyze quantitative data and critically assess the relevance of scientific literature and databases.
• Ability to teach and conduct administrative tasks.
• Strong skills in written and spoken English.
• A willingness to seek new knowledge about the social impact of technology.
• Ability to discuss and explain research to audiences outside the academic field, both nationally and internationally.

Knowledge of Swedish is considered a merit.

To succeed in your doctoral studies at the University of Gävle, you need to be goal-oriented in your work and able to establish and maintain good contact with target groups and collaboration partners. 

Terms

After admission to a doctoral program, a position as a doctoral student will be offered (Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, § 3). The position is a full-time, fixed-term position (first one year, which can then be extended by a maximum of two years at a time).

The position is a doctoral student position. The total duration of the doctoral studentship is full-time for five years, taking into account 20% of the time for departmental duties/teaching. The doctoral program itself comprises four years of full-time studies. (Chapter 5, § 7 Higher Education Ordinance).

Contact

Assistant Professor Nicholas Etherden, main supervisor
Tel: +46 70 232 83 30, email: nicholas.etherden@hig.se

Associate professor Mathias Cehlin, assistant head of department
Tel: +46 72 299 53 52, e-mail: mathias.cehlin@hig.se