The Brushless Doubly Fed Machines (BDFMs) are attractive generators for wind power generation as a replacement for doubly fed induction generators (DFIGs) due to its higher reliability and lower maintenance costs by virtue of the absence of brush-gear. In addition, BDFM is intrinsically a medium-speed machine, enabling the use of a simplified one or two-stage gearbox, hence reducing the cost of the overall drivetrain and giving further reliability improvement. This project is to design and model an optimised BDFM for wind power generation application. Then a laboratory prototype BDFM will be constructed and tested based on the new optimised design. Analytical study, Finite Element (FE) analysis, and experimental work will be carried out during the project.
This PhD project will support further development of a more reliable and cost-effective generator system for the wind industry. Improved reliability and cost-effectiveness will inherently lead to wider adoption of wind power generation, especially in offshore, which will boost the low-carbon economy, reduce CO2 emissions and increase energy security for the UK and globally.
The successful candidate will be based at the School of Engineering of the University of East Anglia. The successful candidate is expected to be highly motivated, and to have First or Upper Second-class degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering.
The successful candidate is also expected to have the below skills and knowledge:
- Knowledge and/or experience in the subject
- A good knowledge of electrical machines and control systems
- Experimental, modelling or analytical experience rated to Electrical machines and power electronics
- Experience of or a willingness to quickly learn about Finite Element (FE) analysis software and Matlab/Simulink
For more information on the supervisor for this project, please go here: https://people.uea.ac.uk/s_abdi-jalebi
This is a PhD programme. The start date is 1st October 2021. The mode of study is full time. The studentship length is 3 years.
Entry requirements: BSc or MEng in Engineering or Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
Applications are processed as soon as they are received and the project may be filled before the closing date, so early application is encouraged.