Thesis Work on Benchmarking of grid-forming converter control methods

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Your role and responsibilities

By grid-forming control it is meant that a converter emulates the fundamental properties of a synchronous machine.

Such control methods are important for the stability of power grids, as with the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources, synchronous machines (e.g. in fossil power plants) are replaced by grid-connected converters.

Details:

• Period: January 2027-June 2027, 5 months
• Number of credits:  30 ECTS
• Number of students for this thesis work: 1
• Location: ABB Corporate Research (Västerås)

So-called grid codes, which are imposed by grid owners and operators, increasingly demand grid-forming control. Today, the scientific literature on grid-forming control is vast, a multitude of different solutions have been proposed. There are also multiple patents from industry.

Goals:​

The main goal of this thesis work is to identify the most promising methods for grid-forming control, thereby creating a benchmark for future converter control development.

Qualifications for the role

• Fundamental knowledge of power engineering, power converters and their controls.
• Knowledge of how three-phase systems can be modeled in equivalent two-phase stationary and rotating reference frames.
• Good skills with MATLAB and Simulink.​

More about us

Recruiting Manager Linus Thrybom, +46 730 80 9906, will answer your general questions. Supervisor Lennart Harnefors (lennart.harnefors@se.abb.com) will answer questions about the thesis topic and expectations. 

Positions are filled continuously. Please apply with your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter in English.

We look forward to receiving your application!

A future opportunity

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