PhD Student in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Enabling Net Zero Distribution Networks through Optimal Control of Inverter-Based Resources

Award Summary

100% of fees covered and a minimum tax free annual living allowance of £17,668 (2022-23 UKRI rate).

Overview

This PhD provides an exciting opportunity to explore new ways of addressing the challenges that power system network operators around the world face as energy systems transition to Net Zero.

Electrical distribution networks will be transformed by the growth in inverter-based resources (IBRs - demand and generation interfaced through power electronic converters). Their control will be critical to enable a resilient and efficient energy system. However, it remains an open question as to the appropriate services and functionalities that these IBRs will be expected to fulfil. In steady state, inverters can control power flows and voltages on networks to act as ‘energy routers’; during transients, they can provide a range of ancillary services, such as grid-forming synthetic inertia.

In this ambitious PhD research project, you will explore the range of system services that can be provided from IBRs within distribution grids. Interactions between these services will be considered in the context of an interconnected distribution system, using advanced modelling tools to develop scalable control methods developed to address shortcomings of existing approaches. Furthermore, Newcastle’s state-of-the-art Smart Grid Lab could be used for demonstration of these new strategies.

This PhD project is a part of the activities of Dr Deakin’s Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship. You will be a member of Newcastle’s vibrant power systems group, with access to academic and industrial collaborators, Newcastle’s Centre for Energy , and Supergen Energy Networks hub.

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: April 22nd or September 2024

Award Duration: 3.5 years

Application Closing Date: 09.02.2024

Sponsor

EPSRC – Engineering and physical sciences research council

Supervisors

Dr Matthew Deakin

Prof Vladimir Terzija

Eligibility Criteria

Required:

• A very good first degree (2.1 or higher, or equivalent) in engineering, science or mathematics.
• Experience programming in scientific languages (e.g., Python, Julia, Matlab).
• Good writing and communication skills
• International applicants may require ATAS (Academic Technology Approval System ) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme

Desirable:

• Experience with mathematical optimization approaches (e.g., linear, conic or integer optimization)
• Knowledge of grid-following and grid-forming power converter control.
• Knowledge of power system dynamics, and/or digital signal processing techniques.
• Hands-on experience in electrical or electronics labs.

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal  

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8060F
• Research Area: Electrical & Electronic Engineering

select 'PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering (full time) - Electrical & Electronic Engineering' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  
• the studentship code ENG101 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

Contact Details: Matthew Deakin