In planning and sizing of hybrid renewable energy systems two conflicting objectives, namely, the cost of the produced energy and the reliability of the system must be optimised simultaneously via a multi-objective optimisation process [1-3]. A challenge in multi-objective optimisation of hybrid energy systems is the presence of uncertainties in the availability of renewable resources and the demand load. The aim of this project is to develop robust multi-objective optimisation methods that can be applied to both on-grid and standalone hybrid renewable energy systems comprising of various renewable conversion systems (wind turbine, PV, solar thermal, fuel cell and wave and tidal turbines) and storage/backup units (battery bank, thermal storage unit, electrolyser/hydrogen, and compressed air). The developed design optimisation method can be employed to design renewable energy systems with numerous applications, including but not limited to: renewable-powered hydrogen production sites, supplying domestic and industrial electrical demand load, supplying combined heating/cooling and electrical demand loads, and net-zero energy buildings.
Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in a relevant engineering discipline (e.g. Renewable Energy, Mechanical, Electrical, Power, Civil/Structural) or Applied Maths.
Applicants must have a good background knowledge in renewable energy conversion systems and programming in MATLAB and be familiar with and willing to develop a strong background knowledge in engineering design methods and optimisation techniques during the course of their PhD study.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
• 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
Informal inquiries can be made to Dr A Maheri (
alireza.maheri@abdn.ac.uk), with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research School (
pgrsadmissions@abdn.ac.uk)
It is possible to undertake this project by distance learning. Interested parties should contact Dr Maheri to discuss this.
