As a University of Applied Learning, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) works closely with industry partners to deliver impactful, application-driven research. This position supports a strategic research project on full electric harbour craft microgrid modelling, onboard energy management systems (EMS), and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) validation.
The Research Staff will contribute to the design, modelling, simulation, validation, and optimization of electric vessel power systems, with strong emphasis on battery-based propulsion, onboard microgrids, EMS algorithms, and real-time validation platforms.
Project & Research Responsibilities:
- Participate in and support the execution of the research project with the Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and research team, covering electric vessel modelling, onboard microgrids, and energy management systems.
- Contribute to the delivery of project milestones across modelling, EMS development, HIL validation, and system optimization.
- Support documentation, reporting, and dissemination of research outcomes to stakeholders and industry partners.
Technical Responsibilities:
- Develop and simulate electrical and propulsion system models for full electric harbour craft using MATLAB/Simulink.
- Model key onboard components including battery energy storage, power converters, propulsion motors, and ship service loads.
- Simulate propulsion and propeller load behaviour under varying operating and marine environmental conditions.
- Integrate and evaluate auxiliary energy sources such as solar power within the onboard microgrid.
- Perform energy consumption, battery sizing, efficiency, and carbon performance studies for electric vessels.
- Design and implement an onboard Energy Management System (EMS) for coordinated control of onboard power systems.
- Develop EMS strategies for power sharing, battery management, and voltage regulation.
- Deploy models on real-time HIL platforms (e.g., Typhoon HIL, OPAL-RT) for system validation.
- Conduct unit, sub-system, and system-level testing under normal and fault conditions.
- Analyse simulation and HIL results to optimize EMS performance, including support for autonomous vessel operation.
- To liaise and communicate with any relevant internal or external stakeholder to ensure project deliverables are met.
- Any other ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor.
Experience & Technical Skills:
- Minimum 3 years of relevant research or industry experience in one or more of the following:
- High-fidelity electrical system modelling using MATLAB/Simulink
- Electric vehicle, marine, or microgrid power system simulation
- Energy management system (EMS) or supervisory control algorithm development
- Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platforms (e.g., OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL)
- Experience in battery energy storage systems, power converters, and propulsion drives.
- Knowledge of control systems, optimization techniques, and stability analysis is highly preferred.
- Familiarity with marine electrical systems or isolated microgrids is an advantage.
Personal Attributes:
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary research teams.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Experience and commitment to student supervision, mentoring, and training.
- Excellent technical writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Key Competencies:
- Strong analytical, modelling, and critical thinking skills
- Ability to translate research outcomes into practical, industry-relevant solutions
- Proactive, self-directed learner with a commitment to continuous professional development
- Strong sense of ownership, initiative, and accountability
- Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships within the university and with industry partners