Post summary
A fully funded PhD position is available for UK (Home) students for 3.5-years starting September 4, 2023 (it is possible to start earlier). The funding covers Home (UK) tuition fees and stipends at Research Council UK rates (currently £19,668 for the 2022/23 academic year) for the 3.5 years. We welcome applications from candidates based outside of the UK, however, our funding covers tuition fee at home rates only and therefore international students will be required to demonstrate that they have the funds available to cover the difference between home and international fee rates. The successful applicant will work under the supervision of Dr Onyema Nduka at the Electronic Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Physical and Mathematical Sciences (EPMS) of Royal Holloway University of London at our Egham campus.
Project overview
Modern electricity distribution networks are currently experiencing high uptake of renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaics. In tandem, there is increasing number of all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles on UK roads in addition to heat pumps installed at UK homes and offices. These technologies have the capacity to promote high levels of flexibility services for the distribution systems operators. On the other hand, they have introduced uncertainties around the operation and control of the modern electricity distribution network.
To adequately understand the challenges while also exploiting the opportunities presented by these technologies, there is increased field monitoring which has resulted in massive data generation. Consequently, this project would involve leveraging field data for developing optimal operations and control strategies for current and future electricity distribution networks.
Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be required to do the following:
1. undertake research activities such as literature review, developing models (both physics-driven, data-driven and hybrid models) and algorithms, writing relevant software codes, simulation and accurate reporting of research methods and findings. While guidance will be provided by the supervisor, it is required that the successful applicant must be able to work independently on the project.
2. he/she is expected to publish research findings in top-tier journals such as IEEE Transactions on: Smart Grid, Sustainable Energy, etc.
3. support few students of the supervisor with their BEng final year projects
4. assist with providing tutorials (where relevant) for undergraduate modules taught by the supervisor.
5. participate in relevant activities within the department, EPMS School and Royal Holloway in general.
Essential skills
The ideal candidate should possess the following:
1. hold a masters level degree (MSc or MEng) in Electrical Power Systems (or its equivalent), preferably with first class honours (or distinction) and/or an excellent BEng/BSc degree (first class honours) in similar field.
2. have technical and research experience relating to modern power systems and smart grid.
3. demonstrate working knowledge of Matlab/Simulink and Python scripting
4. be able to work independently and in a team
5. demonstrate creativity and have aptitude for applied mathematics and power systems engineering
6. have good command of both written and spoken English
Desirable skills
Other useful but not essential skills for this project include:
1. Knowledge of optimisation software such as GAMS, AIMMS
2. Knowledge of IPSA software
How to apply
To apply, please email Dr Nduka at [Email Address Removed] including the following in the subject: Project_DENOC. The following documents should be included in your application up-to-date curriculum vitae, research proposal, MSc, and BEng transcripts and certificates. Two academic references will be required from the successful applicant. Please note that the successful candidate (upon been notified) will be required to apply for and secure a PhD admission at Royal Holloway University of London.
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