Master thesis: Fast Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA) of Power Sys-tems

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Fraunhofer IEE in Kassel conducts research in the fields of energy economics and energy system technology with a focus on: energy informatics, energy meteorology and geographic information systems, energy economics and system design, energy process engineering and storage, grid planning and grid operation, grid stability and power converter technology, and thermal energy technology. Around 450 scientists, employees and students develop solutions for the energy transition and generate around 40 million euros in income per year.

The "Grid Control and Grid Dynamics" group is a collaborative team comprising engineers, scientists, technical staff, and students dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of inverter-dominated power grids. Our focus includes investigating the stability and control mechanisms essential for these grids, conducting analyses and developing applications to enhance grid planning and operation, and exploring the integration of inverter-based units into existing grid infrastructures. Additionally, we create dynamic models of networks and units, engage in simulation and stability analysis, and perform Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA). We also innovate stabilizing methods and decision-support tools to assist system operators in maintaining grid reliability and performance. Together, we aim to contribute to the evolution of modern power systems through research and practical applications.

What you will do

The integration of renewable energy resources has increased the complexity of power system dynamics, raising stability concerns for Transmission System Operators (TSOs). To address this, the Grid Control and Grid Dynamics group at Fraunhofer IEE focuses on researching Dynamic Security Assessment (DSA) solutions for both industry and research projects. DSA aims to conduct multiple time-domain simulations based on the current state of the power network to assess potential critical contingencies, such as generator outages and short circuits, and identify scenarios that could lead to system collapse. However, the need for hundreds of simulations every 10 minutes presents significant computational challenges due to the complexity of DSA models.

Therefore, your main tasks are:

Develop methods to accelerate dynamic simulations (RMS) for near real-time applications.
Research and implementation of techniques for model simplification.
Implementation of parallel computing to execute multiple scenarios simultaneously.
Development of screening methods to efficiently identify critical contingencies in power systems.

As a research assistant you will:

Implement Python methods for power system analysis.
Use DIgSILENT Power Factory along with the Python methods.
Implemented methods in simple networks, e.g., IEEE test systems.
Finally, implement the methods in a network that is representative of the German grid.
Depending on your interests and skills, further fields of activity may arise

What you bring to the table

Degree in electrical engineering, control engineering or comparable courses of study.
Interest in renewable energies and the success of the energy transition
Strong understanding of power system dynamics.
Knowledge in DIgSILENT Power Factory.
Programming skills in Python and version control.
Good command of English.

What you can expect

Close cooperation with our research colleagues
Flexible and individual adaptation of working hours to lecture and exam times
The opportunity to work both on the modern IEE campus and remotely
An open and helpful working atmosphere
Exciting discussions on current research topics
Openness to your ideas.
A familiar environment with opportunities for further development even as a research assistant

The monthly working time is between 40 and 80 hours. The position is initially limited to 12 months or for the processing time of the Master's thesis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Have we aroused your interest? Then apply online now with your detailed application documents (including CV, cover letter and references/proof of achievement). We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position, please contact:

Dr. Luis David Pabón Ospina (Tel: +49 561 7294-249)

Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Economics and Energy System Technology IEE

www.iee.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 78756 Application Deadline: 04/18/2025

Job Segment: Power Systems, GIS, Research Assistant, Meteorologist, Information Systems, Energy, Technology, Research, Science

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