PhD Studentship: Holistic Design Optimisation of Power Electronic Converters for Electric Vehicle (EV) Applications

The project:

Due to the climate emergency, the UK committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, and thus the automotive industry is investing in electric vehicles (EVs). For EVs to be competitive, the power electronic converter must be compact to maximise the vehicle’s power to weight ratio. However, realising these compact converters will require a holistic design process.

This project will develop a multi-domain automated tool that optimises an EV-based wide-bandgap converter for efficiency and power-density. It will involve hardware and software development to produce state-of-the-art converters.

A PhD offers a unique opportunity to develop in-depth skills and knowledge that will provide a springboard for further career progression. You will be part of the Electrical Energy Management Group (EEMG) (bristol.ac.uk/engineering/research/em/ ), a multi-disciplinary team of academic researchers at the University of Bristol. EEMG have extensive expertise in power electronics modelling, design, and manufacture.

How to apply:

Prior to submitting your application, please contact the academic listed to discuss your research proposal and see if it aligns with their current research. No indication of an offer can be made until we receive your completed application.

To apply for this studentship submit a PhD application using our online application system  [www.bristol.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply ]

Please ensure that in the Funding section you tick “I would like to be considered for a funding award from the Electrical Engineering Department” and specify the title of the scholarship in the “other” box below along with the name of the supervisor.  Interested candidates should apply as soon as possible.

Candidate requirements: 

Applicants must hold/achieve a minimum of a Masters degree (or international equivalent) in Electrical or Electronic Engineering or a related discipline and with knowledge of Power Electronics and Devices. Applicants without a Masters qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree. Please note, acceptance will also depend on evidence of readiness to pursue a research degree. 

Basic skills and knowledge required:

Essential: Excellent analytical skills and experimental acumen.

Desirable: A background or basic understanding in one or more of the following:

• Power electronic devices and topologies
• SPICE-based simulation or similar
• Circuit design and construction including PCB design and soldering skills
• Programming skills (MATLAB, C/C++)

Funding:

Home (UK) resident for 3 years prior to the 1st  day of the month that you start the programme.

EU nationals who are permanent residents in the UK with settled status and have been living in the UK for 3 years prior to the 1st day of the month that you start the programme.      

It may be possible to fund an international fee status as part of the EPSRC’s open eligibility allocation. You should be aware that there is typically strong competition within the university to make use of this flexibility.

For EPSRC funding, students must meet the EPSRC residency requirements .

Contacts:  

For questions about the research topic please contact Dr Ian Laird at [email protected]

For questions about eligibility and the application process please contact SCEEM Postgraduate Research Admissions [email protected]