Current job openings
Student/internship projects
Project type
- Semester project
Contact point
guillaume.tauzin@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
Equipment on the grid typically show early signs of failure that can be observed on current and voltage waveforms and are called Incipient Faults (IFs). As each type of equipment failure has a unique waveform signature, we want to classify IFs to enable our clients to perform predictive maintenance on the failing equipment. In order to train and evaluate ML-based classification models, we need to collect a large amount of expert-labelled data. This project focuses on setting up a fully-fledged data labelling solution. We have identified three main objectives for this project:
- Contribute to the definition of the IFs labelling task.
- Setup and deploy a customized labelling solution.
- Build ML models and pipelines to support expert labellers.
Tasks
- Conduct a literature review of IFs on distribution networks to define the appropriate set of labels and present a short report.
- Conduct a review of the available tools for multivariate time series labelling.
- Setup and deploy the labeling solution as well as the necessary data pipelines.
- Design ML models for interactive labeling (find the segments to label) and/or automatic pre-labeling (suggest most-likely labels for each segment).
Required skills
- Understanding of data science concepts.
- Hands on Python and willingness to explore the design and deployment of data/ML pipelines.
- Basic software engineering knowledge – how to write modular code – how to test the code.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Project type
- Semester project
- MSc – Master of Science
Contact point
mayank.nagendran@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
Zaphiro uses different algorithms for faulted area identification and fault distance estimation based on the type of grids and types of faults. Zaphiro’s algorithms are based on power system protection principles such as differential, directional and distance relaying and they are adapted to include PMUs.
The objective of the project is to generate datasets and to test the fault location approaches on several practical grids to identify gaps in the algorithms.
Tasks
- Understand the algorithms implemented by Zaphiro for fault location.
- Import the model of the electrical network and develop scripts in PowerFactory to create multiple fault scenarios.
- Collect the faulty waveforms and feed them to our fault location algorithms. Collect in a structured manner the fault locator outputs.
- Analysis of the results to identify the strengths/weaknesses of each approach.
- Perform a literature survey to identify remedies for the gaps.
Required skills
- Strong understanding of distribution grids, especially fault analysis.
- Knowledge of Power Factory.
- Knowledge of Python for scripting faults.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Zaphiro student projects – Testing Fault Location Algorithms
Project type
- MSc – Master of Science
Contact point
mayank.nagendran@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
Fault location algorithms need to consider the contributions to the fault current due to the presence of Distributed Generation (DG) in modern networks.
The objective of the project is twofold:
- Expand the differential-based fault locator algorithm to correctly identify the faulted area when the DGs are not monitored;
- Improve the fault distance computation algorithm to account for DGs contribution, when directly measured by PMUs.
Tasks
- Understand the shortcomings of the current fault location approach and prepare a short report on available multi-end fault location with an emphasis on distribution grids.
- Adapt/develop a method to address the presence of distributed generation using measurements from multiple PMUs.
- Validate the new fault distance computation using simulated and real-world (if possible) examples.
Required skills
- Strong understanding of distribution grids, especially fault analysis.
- Knowledge of Matlab/Python to implement the fault location methods.
- Working knowledge of power system simulation using Power Factory/EMTP is an advantage – if not test cases can be provided by Zaphiro.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Zaphiro student projects – Fault Location in Active Distribution Grids
Project type
- Semester project
- Internship
Contact point
info@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
The IEEE C37.118.2 communication protocol used in most Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) deployments nowadays does not encrypt the traffic. VPN solutions allow to add an extra layer of security by sending the traffic into a secured tunnel.
Zaphiro’s PMU is based on out-of-the-shelf components (an NI cRIO from NI, an optional router from DIGI, etc). Its modularity, for example, allows to add or remove the router according to the communication technology in place. As of today, it is possible to have VPN tunnels between the router and the destination. However, in all the cases where the communication is wired (e.g., fiber) the router is not present, and the VPN tunnel is not created.
The objective of the project is to integrate a VPN technology inside the NI cRIO device to establish a VPN tunnel also when using wired communication technology. Few VPNs technologies that can be run on cRIO have to be evaluated. The chosen technology has to be implemented and tested.
Tasks
- Evaluate compatible VPN technologies that can be seamlessly integrated into the NI cRIO device for wired communication scenarios.
- Select the most suitable VPN technology based on criteria such as security features, compatibility, and performance benchmarks.
- Implement the chosen VPN technology into the NI cRIO, followed by rigorous testing to ensure secure and efficient data tunnelling over wired connections.
Required skills
- Confidence with command line on Linux systems
- No LabVIEW knowledge required
- Previous knowledge of VPN is desirable
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Project type
- Semester project
- Internship
Contact point
info@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
Security of data is key in the management of energy systems. Collected information can be exploited to attack energy infrastructures and disrupt an entire nation. The aim of this project is to explore the different options to encrypt data at rest with PostgreSQL, compare them in term of ease of use, level of security and performance impact.
Tasks
- Survey and document available solutions.
- Provide a framework to compare them.
- Compare solutions with the aim of defining the best trade-off between security, complexity, and performance.
Required skills
- Basic understanding of encryption.
- SQL knowledge to test and demonstrate different solutions.
- Analytical capacities to survey solutions and compare them.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Project type
- Semester project
- Internship
Contact point
info@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
In the field of critical infrastructures, being able to detect security events and prevent and stop attacks is key to guarantee the security of infrastructures such as power grids. SIEMs are solutions that collect logs of events from different sources and facilitate the identification of threats. The scope of the project is to explore the space of open-source solutions providing SIEM functionalities following a Cloud Native approach (i.e., running on Kubernetes).
Tasks
- Survey and document available solutions.
- Provide a framework to compare them.
- Compare solutions with the aim of defining the best trade-off between security, complexity, and performance.
Required skills
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity.
- Analytical capacities to survey solutions and compare them.
- Docker and/or K8S (or strong interest to learn and use them) to test solutions and realize a demo.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Project type
- Semester project
- Internship
Contact point
info@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
Offline grid analysis methods can provide great insights on the grid, e.g., what are the components under stress, what’s the optimal placement of PMUs. Different solutions are today available in term of ML or analytical frameworks (typically in Python) for power systems analysis and platforms for leveraging such frameworks to define studies (as “notebooks”) and manage such studies in a reproducible and repeatable way. The scope of the project is to explore the space of open-source solutions providing MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) functionalities following a Cloud Native approach (i.e., running on Kubernetes).
Tasks
- Survey and document available solutions.
- Provide a framework to compare them.
- Select a set of tools to deliver a demo.
Required skills
- Basic understanding of modern machine learning and its operations.
- Analytical capacities to survey solutions and compare them.
- Docker and/or K8S (or strong interest to learn and use them) to test solutions and realize a demo.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Project type
- Semester project
- Internship
Contact point
info@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
Modern electrical distribution networks increasingly require advanced monitoring to maintain high-quality power delivery. In line with this, Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) are becoming indispensable tools. However, the current generation of PMUs often focuses predominantly on fundamental frequency analysis. This project aims to extend the capabilities of PMUs by integrating harmonic analysis directly into the units in order to increase the types of electrical events that can be detected and analysed on the PMU itself.
Tasks
- Develop New File Formats for Saving on PMU: Currently, PMUs use specific file formats for data storage. This task involves developing additional file formats like COMTRADE and PQDIFF to enhance the PMU’s data compatibility and interchangeability.
- Study Types of Harmonic Analysis: Before diving into implementation, it’s important to perform a comprehensive study on what types of harmonic analysis could be valuable.
- Online Integration: Upon determining the types of harmonic analysis to implement, the next step involves incorporating these algorithms for real-time, online monitoring.
Required skills
- Understanding of Signal Processing Concepts: A foundational grasp of signal processing techniques, particularly those relevant to power systems, is important for understanding and developing harmonic analysis algorithms.
- LabVIEW RT: This project will employ Labview Real Time for algorithm implementation and integration into our PMUs. Experience with this platform is important.
- Basic Software Engineering Knowledge: Understanding the principles of modularity in software design, as well as techniques for robust code testing, will be important for creating maintainable and reliable code.
- Use of GitLab: GitLab will serve as the version control system for this project. Familiarity with GitLab’s features—such as repositories, branching and merge requests.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.
Project type
- Semester project
- MSc thesis
- Internship
Contact point
info@zaphiro.ch
Project description and objectives
As we transition into a more digitally connected era of electrical distribution, Zaphiro Technologies is looking to future-proof its Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs). In the context of this work, we are looking to rewrite part of our codebase in embedded C. This port will optimize our PMUs for increased efficiency, lower power consumption, and more robust operational capabilities.
The primary objective of this project is to develop core functionalities in embedded C that are currently implemented in LabVIEW.
Tasks
- Synchrophasor to C37.118 Conversion Module: Develop a module that can efficiently convert synchrophasor data into a data frame that conforms to the IEEE C37.118 standard.
- UDP Streaming Module: Subsequent to the conversion, create a separate module responsible for streaming these C37.118 compliant data frames via UDP.
- TCP Protocol Support: While UDP is essential for low-latency applications, TCP support is equally crucial for applications that require reliable, ordered data delivery.
- C Applications for Synchrophasor Estimation: Develop applications in embedded C that can perform synchrophasor estimation.
Required skills
- Embedded Linux RT and Embedded C Development: Strong skills in embedded Linux RT (Real-Time) and embedded C are imperative for this project. Prior experience in developing real-time applications would be beneficial.
- Git for Version Control: A good grasp of Git for version control is essential. Experience with branching strategies, pull requests, and resolving merge conflicts will be advantageous.
- Understanding LabVIEW Code: While the primary language for this project is C, understanding LabVIEW is a significant plus.
- Network Protocol Knowledge: Familiarity with TCP and UDP, would be beneficial.
Other benefits and/or compensation
Depending on the final project type, scope and deliverables, Zaphiro may consider providing additional adequate compensation.