The Solar Photovoltaic Systems group at DTU Electro (Risø campus) is at the forefront of advancing research within a broad spectrum of applied photovoltaics (PV), encompassing building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), potential induced degradation (PID) in high-voltage PV modules, and the challenges of spatial and temporal irradiance variability on large PV plants.
Our team is dedicated to pioneering solutions that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and integration of PV systems in urban and utility-scale environments. Collaborating with industry leaders, other academic institutions, and utilizing state-of-the-art experimental setups, we are investigating innovative materials, technologies, and methodologies to address current challenges in the field.
Our work extends from developing structural coloured foils for BIPV products, mitigating PID effects in next-generation PV modules, to modelling the impact of environmental factors on PV performance.
Through our comprehensive research endeavours, we aim to contribute significantly to the global transition towards sustainable energy.
Responsibilities and qualifications
Position 1:
This position is embedded in a larger project developing structural colored foils for BIPV products together with industry partners and other leading universities. The specific tasks include the establishment and operation of accelerated stress tests of coupon-sized colored PV modules, i.e. UV degradation and thermocycling, as well as pre- and post-test characterization and material analysis. The tasks will include:
- Investigate polymeric material compatibility of structural colored foils within the PV laminate
- Establish a test stand for accelerated UV degradation of coupon-sized PV modules
- Conduct accelerated stress testing according to relevant standards (mostly IEC 61215)
- Contribute with measurement results to the product development of structural colored foils
Position 2:
PhD candidate sought for research on potential induced degradation (PID) in high-voltage PV modules, part of a strategic initiative with TotalEnergies to enhance PV module reliability. This role focuses on the evaluation and mitigation of PID effects in new and existing solar cell technologies under varied environmental conditions. Key tasks include:
- Assessing PID sensitivity and recovery kinetics in high-power, high-voltage PV modules against different materials and increased soiling rates.
- Establishing a high voltage field stress setup as per IEC 62804-2-2022 for in-situ degradation monitoring, aimed at quantifying PID sensitivity and recovery under realistic environmental conditions.
- Determining acceleration factors and developing models for PID degradation and recovery, to accurately predict module performance in utility-scale PV environments.
- Evaluating the efficacy of PID prevention and recovery solutions from various manufacturers, integrated into inverters or as standalone units.
The successful candidate will contribute to setting industry benchmarks for PID resistance and recovery, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of next-generation PV installations.
Position 3:
PhD candidate needed for a pioneering study on the effects of spatial and temporal irradiance variability on PV plant performance. This research aims to enhance monitoring and stability of large PV installations under dynamic weather conditions. Responsibilities include:
- Quantifying and modeling the impact of spatial and temporal irradiance fluctuations on PV string and plant output, particularly for plants with fixed tilt and horizontal axis trackers (HSAT).
- Deploying and integrating fast sensors at pilot and R&D sites including bifacial, high-performance, and floating PV plants to collect high-resolution irradiance and power output data.
- Developing and validating models to estimate the spatial irradiance averaging effect and the temporal fluctuation averaging effect, improving the predictability and reliability of PV plant performance.
The role involves hands-on experimental setup, data analysis, and model development, contributing crucial insights for optimizing PV plant design and grid integration strategies.
Applicable for all scholarships
In all 3 positions, you will collaborate closely with a group of PhD students, postdocs and international leading scientists, all working at the technological edge of solar photovoltaic systems research.
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.
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.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Chief Scientific Officer Peter Poulsen, e-mail: ppou@dtu.dk.
You can read more about DTU Electro www.electro.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 5 March 2024 (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
In the cover letter, we kindly ask you to indicate which position(s) you would like to apply for.
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.
DTU Electro
DTU Electro has more than 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.
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.
Deadline: 2024-03-05 at 23:59
Unit: dtu
Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.