PhD position in AI-based Grid Capacity Optimization using Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

The BATT-AI project aims to develop advanced methodologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) for optimising the integration of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) into smart grids to enhance grid stability and facilitate optimal use of connection capacity.

The goal of this PhD position is to contribute to the design of models and mechanisms that enable risk-aware optimisation of grid capacity and facilitate market participation for large-scale ESS, providing solutions for dynamic capacity allocation.

Your key responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Develop AI-based optimisation models for capacity connection;
• Design a capacity connection market mechanism;
• Develop AI models for network operations.

This project is a joint effort between the University of Twente and TU Delft. You will be co-supervised by Associate Prof. Pedro P. Vergara from TU Delft and collaborate with PhD and postdoctoral researchers whose work focuses on optimal electricity market participation and grid stability /synthetic inertia from BESS, respectively.

You are expected to take a leadership role in research integration and coordination within the project and contribute to joint publications, system modelling, and stakeholder engagement. The project is strongly supported by industry, with collaboration from: Alfen – BESS developer, Stedin – grid operator, Eneco – energy supplier, ENTRNCE – electricity market expertise provider, Kyos – developer of market optimization tools.

This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct high-impact research at the interface of power systems, converter control, battery degradation, and market economics, with direct pathways to real-world application and policy influence.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before July 26, 2025, and include:

• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasising your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for this position.
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Nataly Banol Arias via the following email address: m.n.banolarias@utwente.nl.

Screening is part of the selection procedure.

The Power Electronics (PE) is a multidisciplinary group that investigates various aspects of energy conversion systems, including Battery Electronics, Energy Access, Smart Grids, Power Electronics Technology, and Power and Energy Measurement Systems. Within smart grids, the focus is on modelling and optimisation of modern distribution networks and microgrids, and energy management systems for seamless integration of inverter-based resources into the grid.

The PE has excellent laboratory facilities to perform HIL-based co-simulations of power systems and power electronics.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.