Full-time study

4 years

prof. RNDr. Vladimír Aubrecht, CSc.

Chairman :
prof. RNDr. Vladimír Aubrecht, CSc.
Councillor internal :
doc. Ing. Petr Mastný, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Jiří Drápela, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Pavel Vorel, Ph.D.
doc. Ing. Ondřej Vítek, Ph.D.
prof. Ing. Petr Toman, Ph.D.
Councillor external :
prof. Ing. Radomír Goňo, Ph.D.
Ing. Petr Modlitba, CSc.
prof. Ing. Aleš Richter, CSc.
Ing. Zdeněk Wolf

The doctor study programme is devoted to the preparation of the high quality scientific and research specialists in various branches of power electronics, control technology, design of electrical machines, electric power generation and distribution, and electric power utilization.
The aim is to provide the doctor education in all these particular branches to students educated in university magister study, to make deeper their theoretical knowledge, to give them also requisite special knowledge and practical skills and to teach them methods of scientific work.

The goal of the postgradual doctoral (PhD) study of the program "Power Systems and Power Electronics" is the education for scientific work in the area of power electrical engineering and power systems. Graduates of PhD find occupation either as scientific or research workers including industrial development, either as university teachers and in higher manager functions as well.

The graduate of the doctor study program "Power Systems and Power Electronics" obtains broad knowledge of subject of high power engineering. The knowledge is built mainly on theoretical background of the subject. Moreover, the graduate will obtain deep special knowledge aimed in direction of his/her thesis. The graduate will be able to perform scientific and/or applied research based on up to date theoretical knowledge. The graduate will be able to organize and lead a team of researchers in the studied subject.

Doctoral studies are carried out according to the individual study plan, which is prepared by the supervisor in the beginning of the study in cooperation with the doctoral student. The individual curriculum specifies all the duties determined in accordance with the BUT Study and Examination Rules, which the doctoral student must fulfill to successfully finish his studies. These responsibilities are time-bound throughout the study period, they are scored and fixed at fixed deadlines.
Students will write and pass tests of obligatory subject Exam in English before the state doctoral examination, compulsory elective courses in view of the focus of his dissertation, whereas at least two are selected from: Mathematical Modelling of Electrical Power Systems, New Trends and Technologies in Power System Generation, Selected problems from power electronics and electrical drives, Topical Issues of Electrical Machines and Apparatus), and at least two optional subjects (English for PhD students; Quoting in Scientific Practice; Resolving Innovation Assignments; Scientific Publishing from A to Z).
The student may enroll for the state doctoral exam only after all the tests prescribed by his / her individual study plan have been completed. Before the state doctoral exam, the student draws up a dissertation thesis describing in detail the aims of the thesis, a thorough evaluation of the state of knowledge in the area of the dissertation solved, or the characteristics of the methods it intends to apply in the solution.
The defense of the controversy that is opposed is part of the state doctoral exam. In the next part of the exam, the student must demonstrate deep theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of electrical engineering, electronics, electrical machines, and electrical apparatus. The state doctoral examination is in oral form and, in addition to the discussion on the dissertation thesis, it also consists of thematic areas related to compulsory and compulsory elective subjects.
To defend the dissertation, the student reports after the state doctoral examination and after fulfilling conditions for termination, such as participation in teaching, scientific and professional activity (creative activity) and at least a monthly study or work placement at a foreign institution or participation in an international creative project.

The doctoral studies of a student follow the Individual Study Plan (ISP), which is defined by the supervisor and the student at the beginning of the study period. The ISP is obligatory for the student, and specifies all duties being consistent with the Study and Examination Rules of BUT, which the student must successfully fulfill by the end of the study period. The duties are distributed throughout the whole study period, scored by credits/points and checked in defined dates. The current point evaluation of all activities of the student is summarized in the “Total point rating of doctoral student” document and is part of the ISP. At the beginning of the next study year the supervisor highlights eventual changes in ISP. By October, 15 of each study year the student submits the printed and signed ISP to Science Department of the faculty to check and archive.
Within the first four semesters the student passes the exams of compulsory, optional-specialized and/or optional-general courses to fulfill the score limit in Study area, and concurrently the student significantly deals with the study and analysis of the knowledge specific for the field defined by the dissertation thesis theme and also continuously deals with publishing these observations and own results. In the follow-up semesters the student focuses already more to the research and development that is linked to the dissertation thesis topic and to publishing the reached results and compilation of the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the second year of studies the student passes the Doctor State Exam, where the student proves the wide overview and deep knowledge in the field linked to the dissertation thesis topic. The student must apply for this exam by April, 30 in the second year of studies. Before the Doctor State Exam the student must successfully pass the exam from English language course.
In the third and fourth year of studies the student deals with the required research activities, publishes the reached results and compiles the dissertation thesis. As part of the study duties is also completing a study period at an abroad institution or participation on an international research project with results being published or presented in abroad or another form of direct participation of the student on an international cooperation activity, which must be proved by the date of submitting the dissertation thesis.
By the end of the winter term in the fourth year of study the students submit the elaborated dissertation thesis to the supervisor, who scores this elaborate. The final dissertation thesis is expected to be submitted by the student by the end of the fourth year of studies.
In full-time study form, during the study period the student is obliged to pass a pedagogical practice, i.e. participate in the education process. The participation of the student in the pedagogical activities is part of his/her research preparations. By the pedagogical practice the student gains experience in passing the knowledge and improves the presentation skills. The pedagogical practice load (exercises, laboratories, project supervision etc.) of the student is specified by the head of the department based on the agreement with the student’s supervisor. The duty of pedagogical practice does not apply to students-payers and combined study program students. The involvement of the student in the education process within the pedagogical practice is confirmed by the supervisor in the Information System of the university.

1. Analysis of the reactive power overflows in distribution network and proposals of related measures for the implementation of renewable sources and e-mobility

   - to analyse the planned development of distribution networks (related legislation and strategic documents, technical concepts of distribution networks, penetration rates of RES and electromobility, The European Green Deal, Fit for 55, etc.), - to analyse the current state of reactive power flows/overflows in the distribution and transmission system (through individual voltage levels of distribution network and in substations between distribution and transmission network), to identify and to define both problematic areas and the technical context in terms of reactive power flows, - definition of scenarios for the implementation of RES and electromobility at the level of the selected voltage level (incl. specification of technical criteria / implementation limits) for related analysis of implementation impact of RES/electromobility on reactive power flows/identification of possible available potential for reactive power flow management, - design of distribution network model (respecting e.g. network parameters/concept based on distribution system operator input data, RES/electromobility regulation requirements, stochastic methods for parametrization of consumer behaviour, voltage asymmetry in distribution network etc.) and to make comprehensive analysis of defined scenarios - R&D of measures for individual scenarios of implementation of RES/electromobility, the impact on voltage quality, active and reactive power flows, power system stability, specification of technical recommendations for distribution system operator, etc. An intership at a foreign research institution, for instance TU Graz, is expected. For more information email to: ptacekm@vut.cz

   Tutor: Ptáček Michal, Ing., Ph.D.

2. Control of multi-phase fault-tolerant AC drives

   Multi-phase fault-tolerant AC drives currently represent a major trend in the field of electric drives with safety requirements, especially in aviation. Synchronous (both PMSM and BLDC) and induction machines with five-/six-phase windings or dual three-phase windings are relatively common, but many other topologies exist. The main challenge for multi-phase drives is to implement a control strategy when a fault exists in one or more inverter phases, in one or more current sensors or in the position sensor (sensorless control). In the doctoral thesis, an analysis of control methods for multi-phase AC drives of various topologies during various fault-states will be conducted. For one or more selected motor topologies, the design and construction of a power converter (two- or multilevel) and control electronics utilizing a microcontroller or a programmable gate array will be performed, including development of a control algorithm for the drive. The aim will be to create a robust control that is to some extent tolerant to faults of power electronics and both current and position sensors. The obtained outputs will be regularly published at conferences and in high-level journals.  During the research and development on this topic it will also be possible to consult the results with the staff of AVL Moravia s.r.o., the Linz Center of Mechatronics GmbH and JKU - Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Institut für Elektrische Antriebe und Leistungselektronik, where a compulsory foreign internship of a PhD student is also expected.

   Tutor: Bárta Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

3. Electrical machines with electronic pole-switching

   A wide range of electric machines are used for electric traction nowadays and with the growing importance of e-mobility, there is an increasing demand for further research and development. For electric traction, it is advantageous if the electric machine itself, without a gearbox, can provide high torque at low speeds as well as a wide speed range. The absence of a gearbox leads to material savings, higher reliability, smaller footprint and ultimately a reduced environmental impact. The proposed research topic addresses this challenge by aiming at the research and development of electrical machines with electronically switchable pole counts with the potential to achieve the above mentioned characteristics. The topic is expected to include the development of a simulation framework for this machine, the research and development of suitable configurations of stator winding designs and the investigation of dynamic phenomena during pole number switching. The results of the research and development will be verified by measurements on a prototype pole-switching machine to be developed during the course of this topic. The obtained outputs will be regularly published at conferences and in high-level journals.  During the research and development on this topic it will also be possible to consult the results with the staff of AVL Moravia s.r.o., the Linz Center of Mechatronics GmbH and JKU - Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Institut für Elektrische Antriebe und Leistungselektronik, where a compulsory foreign internship of a PhD student is also expected.

   Tutor: Bárta Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

4. High power density magnetic gear

   In relation to new materials, magnetic gears are becoming increasingly competitive with conventional mechanical gears, especially in connection with regulated electric drives. However, there is a need to further increase the achievable power density and efficiency. Efficient cooling and design are also essential. As part of the doctoral studies, the student will undertake an internship at a foreign university of a minimum duration of one month at JKU Linz.

   Tutor: Vítek Ondřej, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

5. Integration of storage systems into the concept of electricity system support

   With the change in the energy mix concept and the increase in the share of stochastic sources (wind and photovoltaic plants), the concept of stability of the supply of electricity and its quality is closely connected. The topic is focused on the possibilities of accumulating electrical energy produced from renewable sources using modern technologies, with a focus on chemical accumulation and the use of pumped water power plants. The output of the work will be a proposal for measures in the energy system, which will solve the time disproportion between the supply and withdrawal of electricity from renewable sources and a proposal for a conceptual-technical solution for a selected part of the system in the Czech Republic. The solution is combined with modeling on a PC and experimental measurement on a functional model. The issue will be resolved in cooperation with the relevant CEZ division. It is assumed that the doctoral student will be involved in solving research projects in this area (Eco&Store). Part of the doctoral studies will be an internship at a foreign research institution (the TalTech university is pre-negotiated).

   Tutor: Mastný Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

6. Investigation of bremsstrahlung-induced reactions in reactor materials: implications for nuclear safety and material science

   Bremsstrahlung-induced reactions in reactor materials is a critical area of research with significant implications for both nuclear safety and material science. As high-energy charged particles interact with matter, they emit electromagnetic radiation known as bremsstrahlung, triggering secondary reactions within reactor materials. This phenomenon poses challenges in understanding radiation damage and optimizing material performance in nuclear reactors. Among others, the student will participate in the currently submitted basic research project "Investigation of (γ,xn) cross-section data in GDR region: Reactor & Astrophysical significance" and complete a mandatory internship abroad at the HZDR Dresden and possibly supplementary internships at KINGS University, Ulsan or MSU Baroda.

   Tutor: Mukherjee Surjit, Dr.

7. Investigation of Unknown Radioactive Nuclides Through Experimental Data Analysis at the FRS Facility

   This PhD thesis aims to explore the structure of the previously unknown carbon radioisotopes, which emerges as a fragmentation product of a beam interacting with a beryllium and other break-up and spallation targets at the FRS (Fragment Separator) facility of GSI (Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung). This PhD thesis offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge basic research in between of nuclear physics and nuclear engineering, involving hands-on experience with advanced experimental setups and data analysis techniques. The student will gain invaluable expertise in the field, positioning them well for a career in scientific research and academia. Topic is solved within the Accelerator Driven Systems (ADS) investigation within international collaboration with various domestic and foreign partner institutions (NPI ASCR, GSI, Polish, Slovak, and Indian universities). The ADS could be used for basic research in the field of nuclear reactions and new radionuclides production. Among others, student will be involved to the submitted project “Investigation of (γ,xn) cross-section data in GDR region: Reactor & Astrophysical significance” and is going to take part in the obligatory internship at GSI Darmstadt and possibly supplementary ones at Warsaw University of Technology and Comenius University Bratislava.

   Tutor: Mastný Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

8. Loss modeling in the High-Speed converter-machine system

   High-speed electrical machinery finds applications in various fields like wastewater treatment, pump systems, and district heating, enhancing societal welfare. Improving electrical efficiency involves minimizing electromagnetic losses, but additional harmonic losses occur with pulse-width-modulated converters, which are not yet fully understood. A project aims to analyze, mitigate, and model these losses caused by PWM-supply high-frequency components, potentially leading to new methodologies for quantifying power associated with each harmonic component, optimizing frequency converters, understanding heat distribution, and more. This research is crucial for variable speed drive applications, particularly in high-power and high-speed machines, utilizing a unique 2 MW high-speed machine prototype equipped with active magnetic bearing technology. This post is offered as a collaboration between LUT School of Energy systemsn Finland with Brno University of Technology, Czechia. It is expected that the results will be presented in high-level journals. The student is expected to stay around half of the studies at LUT and another half in BUT. The typical costs of the working at abroad are covered by LUT.

   Tutor: Bárta Jan, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

9. Novel calculation methods and procedures for earthing system design and measurement

   Presently, there is pressure from the electricity industry to refine the calculation of proposed grounding systems, especially for cases where difficult soil conditions are encountered. The current practice at national and partly international level is based on a simplified procedure using solution methods with coefficients of earth electrode utilisation. This procedure may be considered inappropriate for more complex arrangements of earth electrodes or their location in inhomogeneous soils. The analyses carried out on the current procedure suggest that there is not much further scope for refinement. However, in view of the current state of knowledge and the development of computer technology, it can be concluded that it is possible to solve the problem of the distribution of the earth electrode field by other more advanced methods. As a possible satisfactory solution, the creation of a software tool / computational methodology that would use a newer and more accurate procedure for determining the potential distribution in the vicinity of the earth electrode, e.g. based on the solution of the Laplace equation and the image charges (complex images method), the finite element method, etc. Considering the applicability of the results it can be concluded that the created methodology would represent an alternative method to the current simplified approach or even would be directly required from the entities operating in the electricity sector through inclusion in the national PNE company standards. Discussions are already underway on national level with representatives of electricity companies in this respect, where there is already a demand for a similar tool. This tool/methodology should also respect the Czech, and therefore European, harmonised normative environment. At the international level, the results obtained would then lead to the extension and refinement of some currently published procedures. In terms of further research potential, this topic allows for its development, for example, by extending it also with the probabilistic evaluation of earth electrodes, where this method is still rather experimental compared to the existing deterministic one. Nevertheless, an increased pressure in the future on the application of probabilistic evaluation can be expected. Another possibility for extending/measuring this topic is also by respecting the development in the field of more precise measurement of earth electrodes, and thus especially methods for measuring soil properties (soil resistivity), which is a key parameter determining the final properties of the constructed earth electrode. The use of methods from the field of electrical resistivity tomography, ground penetrating radar, etc. can be imagined here. Last but not least, with the development of artificial intelligence methods, it is also possible to use it, for example, for the analysis and assignment of soil model parameters from measurements, etc. - Analysis of currently used calculation and measurement procedures, the calculation requirements by the electrical utility companies. The analysis should be both on national and international (European) level. - Analysis and selection of adequate calculation method, selection of necessary input parameters. Analysis of appropriateness of selected solution and proposal of some improvements – recommendation on soil modelling, reinforced concrete earthing system modelling. - Design and development of computational methodology/tool. Selection and implementation of appropriate methods, complemented by probabilistic evaluation of earth electrodes, etc. The student is expected to undertake an internship at partner universities abroad, e.g. TU Graz, Aalto, or the University of Newcastle, etc., where international experts working on the topic are based. During the course his PhD studies the student

   Tutor: Vyčítal Václav, Ing., Ph.D.

10. Optimization, minimization and recycling of radioactive waste from nuclear power plants

    Low and intermediate level radioactive waste is produced in various forms after as well as during the operation of a nuclear power plant. These wastes have to be characterized, segregated, treated and disposed of in a designated repository or released to the environment, if their nature and legislation permit. The objective of any nuclear power plant operator is to minimize the quantity of such waste and thus the use of the repository, the burden on the environment, but also to optimize the management of this waste in order to reduce the radiation exposure of the workers who handle it. New calculation and measurement methods, processing techniques, automation, artificial intelligence, etc., will enable significant progress to be made in this direction. The aim of the work is to carry out research and development in the field of management of low and intermediate level radioactive waste, in particular contaminated insulation and radioactive plastic waste, including mapping the latest global trends in the management of defined types of radioactive waste and related legislation, and proposing innovative ways to optimize and in particular recycle selected specific types of waste. During the PhD studies, the student will participate in the projects of the CANUT2 Centre, cooperate with MIFRE ENERGY, Ltd., ČEZ, Plc., scientific and academic institutions in the Czech Republic and abroad (SURO, v.v.i., FNSPE CTU in Prague, STU Bratislava, IAEA Vienna). Practical internship abroad is going to take place at JAVYS, a.s. (Jadrová a vyraďovacia spoločnosť, Plc., Jaslovske Bohunice, Slovakia), EWN (Entsorgungswerk für Nuklearanlagen Ltd., Greifswald, Germany), and PreussenElektra Ltd. (Isar, Germany).

    Tutor: Mukherjee Surjit, Dr.

11. Optimization of plasma radiation transfer calculations

    Calculation of optimal band distribution for mean absorption coefficients. Evaluation of the electric arc configuration and plasma composition on frequency band boundaries. Comparison of different numerical optimization algorithms and their application to the problem of radiative heat transfer in plasma. An international internship is mandatory during the doctoral study. Expected place of internship is LAPLACE laboratory of the University of Toulouse. The PhD student is expected to be involved in the GAČR project "DEVELOPMENT OF A DATABASE WITH COMPLETE SET OF THERMAL PLASMA PROPERTIES OF GASES WITH POTENTIAL TO REPLACE SF6 IN SWITCHGEAR", whose proposal was submitted in March 2024.

    Tutor: Aubrecht Vladimír, prof. RNDr., CSc.

12. Severe accidents of pressurized water nuclear reactors with advanced nuclear fuels

    The thesis deals with the implementation of data for Advanced Technology Fuel / Accident Tolerant Fuel into conventional, advanced and small modular pressurized water nuclear reactors. With the help of computational software, the student simulates the behavior of these fuels under operational, but especially abnormal and accident conditions, including severe accidents and under so-called design extension conditions (formerly beyond design basis accidents). The aim of the student's scientific work is to develop an advanced fuel model and to simulate selected accident scenarios for a selected nuclear facility. The contribution of the thesis will be a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the contribution of advanced fuel to nuclear safety of existing and new nuclear units. During his/her thesis, the student will be involved in a research project (CANUT2: Prospective nuclear fuels for current and future nuclear power sources including small modular reactors (SMRs)) at the Department of Electrical Power Engineering, and will collaborate with an industrial partners (UJV Rez and FNC Technologies) and a foreign partners (KINGS University, Ulsan; FNC, Suwon; and possibly with UT Knoxville and/or Texas A&M). The obligatory foreign internship is going to be held at KINGS.

    Tutor: Mastný Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

13. Study of delayed neutrons production in advanced power reactor systems by activation method

    Delayed neutrons play a crucial role in reactor kinetics, safety, and control. Understanding their behavior and detailed production is an important issue for reactor operation, safety assessment, and nuclear non-proliferation efforts. This research employs experimental and computational techniques to characterize and analyze delayed neutron emissions especially in the core of advanced nuclear reactors with significantly harder neutron spectra and various mixture of fuel isotopes. As part of his/her research, the student will participate in the investigation in the frame of the CANUT2 project: Emission-free technologies for local energy sources replacement project and take part in the international cooperation of the Nuclear Power Group team. As part of his/her studies, he/she completes an obligatory foreign internship at KINGS University, Ulsan; MAHE Udupi or IMP Lanzhou.

    Tutor: Mukherjee Surjit, Dr.

14. System for distribution network operation optimization

    The Ph.D. thesis is focused on the development of adaptive system for optimization of the low and medium voltage network operation with respect to: voltage level, reactive power flows, voltage unbalance, load flow, etc. The system itself will also ensure fault location inside such networks and automatic reconfiguration. Designed system will be utilizing information from monitoring and control devices that are intended for installation in the distribution system by the operator (smartmetering, reclosers, smart DTS, etc.). To fulfill this task, a solution based on an opensource platform will be used, which will not exclude the integration of the proposed solution into dispatching control and planning systems in the future. The condition for successful defense of this work is to complete at least one month long internship at a foreign university. At present, the Aalto University (Finland) may be considered relevant, but the specific place will be updated during Ph.D. study period.

    Tutor: Topolánek David, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

15. The voltage regulation in distribution networks with a high proportion of stochastic sources

    An increasing proportion of stochastic resources in networks affect the voltage stability during the day. Variable power delivery to the grid from these sources causes fluctuations in voltage variations during the daily diagram. Current devices used to the voltage regulation are unable to provide the required voltage level at all points of the network. The aim is to describe new possibilities and means for voltage regulation in distribution system and design concept of this regulation with regard to the current development of the resource base. It is assumed that the doctoral student will be involved in solving research projects in this area (Eco&Store). The condition for successful defense of this work is to complete at least one month long internship at a foreign university (Tampere University is pre-negotiated).

    Tutor: Mastný Petr, doc. Ing., Ph.D.

16. Utilization of real-time simulation for advanced protection systems design

    New technologies of power system behavior research during transient phenomena open the area of advanced analysis focused to large protection systems operation during faults. The main aim of this dissertation is to extend possibilities of real time simulator RTDS about simultaneous tests in real time including real devices – hardware in the loop simulation. An internship at foreign university is included.

    Tutor: Toman Petr, prof. Ing., Ph.D.