Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Transmission Investment Coordination



KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Electrical Engineering


Project description


Investment coordination of transmission networks with hydropower producers for renewable generation scale-up: Addressing Uncertainty in investment coordination problem
The capacity of transmission networks needs to be expanded for several reasons. Integrating renewable generation and better connection with neighbouring networks are main drivers for expanding the grid.
Accordingly, the transmission capacity expansion should be coordinated with (1) capacity expansion in generation sector (vertical coordination) and (2) capacity expansion in neighbouring grids (horizontal coordination). The importance of the horizontal coordination has been fully discussed in the European Infrastructure Regulation package and FERC order 1000. Regarding vertical coordination, the Offshore Transmission Regime in Great Britain (OFTO), HVDC offshore wind connection in Germany and Optional Firm Access (OFA) in Australia are proposed and implemented.
The intermittency of renewable generation and imperfect information about investments in neighbouring grids make the transmission-planning problem very complex. The transmission network planner needs to invest in its transmission capacity facing the investment risk of renewable generation (such as wind generation) and considering variable production that is typically not aligned with peaks in consumption. The imperfect information on investment plan of neighbouring network is another important factor.
Besides, the uncertainty of hydropower production and application of multi-terminal DC networks add extra level of complexity to the transmission-planning problem.
The main objectives of this project are as follows:

  1. Transmission planning in AC-DC networks considering the investment risk of intermittent generation (such as wind and hydro generation) and variability of production;
  2. Horizontal coordination of transmission investment in an AC-DC network interconnected with the neighbouring grids. The imperfect information on investment of neighbouring grids will be handled through the game concepts in applied mathematics;
  3. Vertical coordination of transmission investment in AC-DC networks including the proactive or reactive approaches of coordination with generation invetsment decisions.

Throughout the steps (1) to (3), we provide reliable mathematical models, which can facilitate the transmission investment analysis in AC-DC networks. The proposed models will be also applied to the stylized version of the Swedish power system. The impact of intermittent generation (mainly wind and hydro generation), on vertical and horizontal coordination will be analyzed in details.
KTH offers an attractive working environment, generous remuneration, as well as other employment benefits. As a postdoctor at KTH you have many opportunities to participate at conferences, projects and other relevant events which will extend your professional network and benefit your future career.
In addition, there is the option to be in residence for a period of between two months and a full semester at the University of Texas at Austin in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. The University of Texas offers an opportunity to broaden the scope of the work to include deeper consideration of US conditions.
The project will be supervisoed jointly by:


Qualifications

The successful applicant is expected to hold or to be about to receive a PhD degree in Electrical engineering, Computer engineering, Computer science, Applied mathematics, Industrial Economics or a corresponding degree. A specialization in optimization, economic modeling, graph theory, linear algebra and game theory is an asset. A thesis work relevant to the position and significant international experience are a merit.
The successful applicant should have an outstanding academic track record, and well developed analytical and problem solving skills. We are looking for a strongly motivated person, who is able to work independently. Good command of English orally and in writing is required to publish and present results at international conferences and in international journals.
Trade union representatives

You will find contact information to trade union representatives at KTH:s web page.
Application

Log into KTH:s recruitment system in order to apply to this position. You are the main responsible to ensure that your application is complete according to the ad. Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of the application period.
The application must include:

  1. CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
  2. Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English if the original documents are issued in another language.
  3. Statement of purpose: what are your academic interests, how they relate to your previous studies and future goals; maximum 2 pages long.
  4. Representative publications or technical reports: Documents no longer than 10 pages each. For longer documents (e.g. theses), please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
  5. Letters of recommendation
  6. Contact information for two reference persons. We reserve us the right to contact references only for shortlisted candidates.

Others

The employment is time limited to 1 year with possibility of extension with 1 more year.
We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.
Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Type of employment Temporary position longer than 6 months
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to agreement, preferably as soon as possible
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Working hours 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number E-2017-0660
Contact
Published 22.May.2017
Last application date 12.Jun.2017 11:59 PM CET