PhD Scholarship in “Advancing Battery Energy Storage Systems for Power System Applications: Condition Monitoring, Data-Driven Analytics, and Digital Twin Solutions” - DTU Wind

Would you like to explore the secret of contemporary lithium-ion batteries and modern battery energy storage systems (BESS)? Do you strive to understand the fundamental characteristics of different battery cells, energy storage system integration, and all aspects of BESS applications? Through the development of industrial battery applications and the implementation of cutting-edge monitoring and measurement techniques, this project aims to use the data-driven approach to perform battery state estimation on real-life use cases.

DTU Wind offers you the opportunity to pursue your dreams, working with the key enabling technology of the energy future, the BESS, and at the same time contributing to the green transition. Further, you will be part of a dynamic working environment with a pleasant team atmosphere and have the opportunity to grow and develop your academic and personal skills.

We seek Ph.D. students who are willing to braking new grounds on BESS research directed towards grid-connected services, power systems, renewable energy, electric vehicles, etc. Further, to implement advanced measurements (EIS, ICA, pulse-excitation techniques, embedded sensors, etc.), perform data analysis, develop the next-generation high-fidelity BESS models and digital twins that can push the limits of understanding of all battery systems, guiding the battery usage regarding technical performance, economy, and safety.

The Division for Power and Energy Systems of DTU Wind and Energy Systems provides cutting-edge research in sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient energy systems for the benefit of society. At DTU Wind and Energy Systems, you will benefit from the advantages of a creative and inspiring work environment shared with about 400 highly skilled and motivated colleagues.

The PhD position is part of the Nordic5Tech (N5T) battery initiative at the 5 Nordic technical universities. Joining the team, you will be one in a pool of prestigious PhD students breaking new ground at the absolute forefront of BESS technology. As part of the N5T program, you will spend up to 6 months external stay at KTH in Stockholm, Sweden.

Responsibilities
Your overall focus will be strengthening the department’s competencies in the intersection between theory and real-world battery application by operating, monitoring, analyzing, modeling, and controlling the modern BESS.

As part of the N5T PhD program, your tasks will be to:

• Work on laboratory test and grid scale applications.
• Pioneer research on live monitoring of active batteries and BESS.
• Develop methodologies and tools related to battery state estimation and prognosis.
• Disseminate your work at conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
• Network with international research bodies, academic institutions, and industry.
• Follow and complete selected courses.
• Assist in teaching courses and co-supervision of BSc and MSc.

Qualifications
MSc graduates with a background in either engineering, mathematics, computer science, computer engineering, physics, sustainable energy, electro-chemistry, and related disciplines, including hands-on experiences, are encouraged to apply. We are looking for candidates with diverse backgrounds to join our team. You must be a self-motivated and team-oriented person who thrives in a collaborative environment and enjoys working on complex topics. 

A successful candidate would ideally fulfill more of the following points:

• Active knowledge of battery and energy storage systems.
• Measurement techniques in field applications and in the laboratory.
• Modeling and simulation skills (batteries, energy systems, electric equivalent circuits).
• Machine learning, statistical analysis, and other contemporary data-driven techniques.
• Computational methods such as optimization, filtering algorithms, predictors, etc.
• Software and coding skills with, e.g., Python, MATLAB, R, C++, Julia, potentially HIL.
• Excellent command of English in speech and writing.
• Good ability to present results orally, experience with preparing scientific papers for journal publications, and demonstrated team-oriented working attitude.

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
The assessment of the candidates will be based on the application documents and interview(s) that have been submitted. During the interview stages, the candidate will be asked to review a paper of our/DTU’s choice or part of their work. The paper review or own work shall include an explanation of scope, a description of strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future expansion.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years. The appointment is a full-time position. The desired date is April 1st, 2025, as soon as possible or according to mutual agreement.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Dr. Chunyang Zhao, Post-doctoral Researcher, e-mail chuzh@dtu.dk, Associate Prof. Chresten Træholt, the Head of Section for Power-to-X and Storage, phone +45 2121 2640, e-mail ctra@dtu.dk 

You can read more about the Department of Wind and Energy Systems at www.wind.dtu.dk.

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 21 April 2025 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A research statement (max. 700 words or about 1 page) where you outline a potential research direction that interests you. The research statement shall address the three questions: 1) WHAT is the topic you propose to research (research challenge)? 2) WHY is it relevant to address this topic? 3) HOW will you approach and resolve the challenge (research direction, methods, and tools)? The research topic should call for increased insight into battery energy storage systems.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Wind and Energy Systems is one of the world’s largest centers of wind and energy systems research and knowledge, with a staff of more than 400 people from 37 countries working in research, innovation, research-based consulting, and education. DTU Wind and Energy Systems has approximately 90 PhD students. The department’s cross-disciplinary research is organized through strategic research programs that collaborate with Danish and international universities, research institutions and organizations, as well as the wind industry.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.