INTERNSHIP R&D ENGINEER - Prototyping of a submodule for quasi two level MMC converter for MVDC applications
Villeurbanne, 69100
Stage
02/09/2024
Description
SuperGrid Institute brings together 180 employees, of 28 different nationalities who work together within a dynamic environment in the city of Lyon. As an independent research and innovation centre, we are dedicated to developing technologies for the future power transmission system, the “supergrid”, including HVDC & MVDC technologies.
As a multi-disciplinary research centre with advanced simulation capabilities & multiple test platforms, including numerous associated laboratories, SuperGrid Institute uses its comprehensive expertise to provide a wide range of services and solutions to support our customers in developing power systems, equipment, and components. We specialise in system architecture and work on ensuring network security and stability while allowing for the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. Find out more by visiting our website: www.supergrid-institute.com
General Context
The medium voltage direct current (MVDC) technology is emerging in power distribution and collection after the high voltage direct current (HVDC) has been demonstrated and exploited as the economically viable solution for long-distance transmission of bulk power. The MVDC technology has been implemented in some pilot projects in China and Europe. The researchers evaluate the interest of MVDC in solar and wind applications. The benefits of MVDC technology can be analysed in terms of energy efficiency, power dispatch, power capacity, power supply range, raw material consumption, CO2 emissions, resilience of distribution network or ancillary services to the AC grid [1].
The massive integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the future will most probably require the development of MVDC networks at different scales of extent. One of the building blocks of such networks are DC DC converters required adapt to the different levels. To achieve the high voltage, series connection of SiC MOSFETs is necessary[2], but this comes at the cost of increased common mode currents, fast degradation of solid insulation of Medium Frequency Transformers and limited to a certain number of devices. At SuperGrid Institute we would like to test a modular approach based on MMC converter, but for high frequency and Quasi Two Level modulation. This would allow for a better control of the dV/dt and unlock the voltage/power limitation of direct seriec connection.
Prototyping this kind of converters is the first step towards the evaluation of this technology and will pave the way for design of SiC MMC converters for MVDC applications.
Avantages
- Remboursement des transports à 50%
Mission
Objectives / Missions
The goal of the internship is prototyping a submodule for a 10 kV - 250 kW MMC converter for Quasi Two Level Modulation based on SiC MOSFET (1.7 kV or 3.3 kV) and implement it in our test platforms. The control will be managed within the existing team.
Tasks:
Literature review
LTspice Simulation of MMC submodule
Converting the existing gate driver design on Altium
Prototyping of the submodule
Sizing of the Capacitor
Consideration of Insulation constraints
Instrumentation (voltage and current measurement)
Test and validation of the Converter
Profil
Candidate Profile
Master or engineering school student in the last year of his/her studies. The student must have a good knowledge in electrical engineering (power electronics and power systems). An experience with the Altium, LTspice software, Matlab/Simulink, Python is appreciated and hands on experience with power electronics tests. Good proficiency in English is required. This internship can lead to a thesis or fixed position opportunity for a talented candidate.
What we have to offer:
You will be joining an institute for energy transition, a promising and stimulating field of activity,
A young, dynamic working environment,
Diverse, international teams (+25 nationalities),
Contribution to meal expenses (company restaurant)
Sports club within the company (on-site yoga, football, running, etc.)
Use of self-service company bicycles
📍 VILLEURBANNE (LYON)
📅 6 months, beginning of september 2024