HVDC are becoming essential and preferred interconnection methods for large scale renewable energy sources, because
of technical, economic and environmental advantages [1]. UK and EU have ambition to significantly reduce fossil -fuel based generation and this might lead to the scenario of 100s GW of offshore wind energy connected to Europe using complex offshore DC transmission grids.
The interoperability has been identified as a significant challenge in DC grid development in the rent EU project Best paths [2],[3]. All European 2-terminal HVDC projects are single-vendor supplied, and there is unwillingness to share information between vendors (IP issues) leading to difficulties in obtaining insurance/availability guarantees. BestPaths, it concluded that 15% of the DC grid scenarios resulted in interoperability problems and most are manifested as dynamic stabilities [3],[4].
Compounding further to stability challenges is the fact that synchronous generation onshore is reducing, and converters face ever increasing specifications for AC grid support in the national Grid codes [5].
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This project will develop stability and robustness framework for a general DC bus. Analytical modelling methods on MATLAB platform will be used [6] to evaluate DC bus stability considering a range of operating conditions and parameters. Frequency domain methods will be adopted, and performance will be verified on professional, non-linear, time-domain simulators like PSCAD or EMTP.
The planning and development of DC grids will need to be centred around single MMC (Modular Multilevel Converter) approach, abandoning the existing 2-terminal, single-vendor methods. It is necessary to develop stability framework for a single 1-2 GW-size MMC when facing connection to a DC bus. Analytical MMC modelling will be used to study stability boundaries and provide technical basis for future standardisation of MMVC interface with DC transmission grids. Single MMC study approach will facilitate flexible grid expansion, while observing multi-vendor grid requirements.
Selection will be made on the basis of academic merit. The successful candidate should have, or expect to obtain, a UK Honours Degree at 2.1 or above in electrical or control engineering.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Formal applications can be completed online: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/pgap/login.php
• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
• State name of the lead supervisor as the Name of Proposed Supervisor
• State ‘Self-funded’ as Intended Source of Funding
• State the exact project title on the application form
When applying please ensure all required documents are attached:
• All degree certificates and transcripts (Undergraduate AND Postgraduate MSc-officially translated into English where necessary)
• Detailed CV, Personal Statement/Motivation Letter and Intended source of funding
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