Dr A Gowaid, Dr D Chen, Prof T Jafry
Applications accepted all year round
Self-Funded PhD Students Only
About the Project
SCEBE-19-009
Millions of people worldwide suffer from lack of reliable electric energy supply. Critique of energy justice literature notes that decentralized renewable energy offers a unique opportunity to democratize local energy provision, increasing the access to and affordability of electricity for those who are currently on the margins of centralized energy provision systems. This, in turn, is believed to result in critical human development benefits at the local level.
Peer-to-peer (P2P) electric energy trade is an emerging concept having potential to empower owners of small and medium scale renewable generation systems (e.g. residential wind and solar) in small and isolated communities. It facilitates the creation of a sort of Internet of Energy (IoE) where electric power becomes a commodity tradable in an open market (not limited to power utilities). This is a unique opportunity to use this still lagging transition to benefit local users and democratize their energy sources, particularly in the developing world.
Implementation of this concept is made possible by the ongoing modernization of power grids to accommodate renewable and distributed generation as well as Smart Grid infrastructure. The technology is still under development and there exist a number of challenges to wider deployment of the IoE concept. These include the development of advanced power flow algorithms and microgrid control mechanisms to trace P2P power flows.
Aims
This PhD project will capitalize on current insights of energy democracy and offer a tangible, technological output driven and informed by social needs. This will involve investigation of the electrical infrastructures necessary for P2P electricity trading. Compatible microgrid structures with dispersed energy storage (e.g. from electric vehicles) along with smart metering and advanced power flow tracing algorithms will be investigated. Finally, the project also aims to develop an understanding of the social implications of the developed technologies. The conducted research will involve quantitative and qualitative analysis, simulations, and experimental studies.
Specifications
Essential:
The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate a solid background in at least one of the aspects: power electronics, power engineering, motor drive, control engineering, or relevant.
The candidate should have strong mathematical background, good modelling and simulation skills using MATLAB/Simulink.
The successful candidate should have strong self-motivation and dedicated passion in power system and/or power conversion research.
The willingness of team-working in a multi-cultural team and the ability to deliver research outcome to meet the deadlines on one’s own.
Desirable:
Previous experience of publishing in journals or international conferences.
Coding experience
Research Strategy and Research Profile
Glasgow Caledonian University’s research is framed around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/).
We address the Goals via three societal challenge areas of Inclusive Societies, Healthy Lives and Sustainable Environments. This project is part of the research activity of the Research Group Power and Renewable Energy Systems (PRES).
How to Apply
Applicants will normally hold a UK honours degree 2:1 (or equivalent); or a Masters degree in a subject relevant to the research project. Equivalent professional qualifications and any appropriate research experience may be considered. A minimum English language level of IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) with no element below 6.0 is required. Some research disciplines may require higher levels.
Candidates are encouraged to contact the research supervisors for the project before applying. Applicants should complete the online GCU Research Application Form, stating the Project Title and Reference Number (listed above).
Please also attach to the online application, copies of academic qualifications (including IELTS if required), 2 references and any other relevant documentation.
Please send any enquiries regarding your application to: [Email Address Removed]
Applicants shortlisted for the PhD project will be contacted for an interview.
For more information on How to apply and the online application form please go to
https://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchstudy/applicationprocess/
Dr Azmy Gowaid [Email Address Removed]
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