PhD Position in Mapping Modern Electromagnetic Environments: Stray Currents in Complex Systems

This PhD position at the University of Twente focuses on advancing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) research by designing cost-effective, synchronised multi-node sensing systems for real-time measurements of voltages, currents, electric fields, and magnetic fields. The project aims to correlate data across time, frequency, space, and impedance to identify interference sources and propagation paths in complex electrical systems. A key application involves addressing stray currents and voltages on dairy farms, which can impact cow welfare and behaviour. The successful candidate will contribute to both academic advancements in EMC and practical solutions for farmers, while working in an international and collaborative research environment with access to extensive laboratory and field measurement facilities.

• Design and validate a cost-effective, synchronised multi-node sensing system for simultaneous time-domain measurements of voltages, currents, electric fields, and magnetic fields.
• Develop digital signal processing methods to correlate data across time, frequency, space, and impedance domains.
• Identify interference sources and propagation paths in complex electrical systems, including real-world applications like dairy farms.
• Perform field measurements on dairy farms to determine the origin and propagation of stray currents and voltages.
• Investigate practical mitigation strategies, including targeted filtering solutions, to address identified issues.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including farmers, to ensure real-world applicability of research findings.
• Publish research findings in high-impact academic journals and present at international conferences.
• Participate in the Twente Graduate School training programme to enhance research and academic skills.