Power density and efficiency improvement at low voltage motor drive systems using GaN technology (<200V motors) Reference Infineon-01-2022

This PhD project is part of the CDT in Sustainable Electric Propulsion. The successful PhD student will be co-supervised by academics from within the Electrical Power Research Group at Newcastle University and work alongside our external partner Infineon Technologies. The student will form part of Cohort 4 and commence in September 2022.

About the project

The project will explore new routes in power density and efficiency improvement at low voltage motor drive systems using GaN technology (<200V motors). The project will explore different motor types powered by different inverter topologies and control algorithm. Your work will also include to overcome thermal challenges and EMI.  Due to the nature of this research it is expected that each student spends at least one year in Germany at Infineon during the four-year period.

How to apply

You should complete an application by submitting the following mandatory documents via Newcastle University portal. You must ensure that you include the title of the project and reference number quoted above in the project title field in the covering letter: 

• CV 
• Covering letter (including title of project and reference number)
• Degree transcripts and certificates
• If English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications

Please ‘Create a new account’ on the postgraduate application system. Enter the programme code as 8206F, select ‘PhD Power Electronics for Sustainable Electric Propulsion' as the programme of study and PESEP22 as the studentship code. In the covering letter please quote reference code PESEP22 and state how your interests and experience relate to the CDT.

Eligibility criteria

Available to Home UK students for a PhD at Newcastle University.

Applicants should have at least a 2:1 Bachelor level degree in an Engineering or Science discipline

About the CDT 

The overall vision of the CDT is the creation of a new generation of UK specialists driving the electric revolution in the transport sector. As this sector is reliant on a reliable supply of low carbon electricity, development of wave energy is seen as a potentially important part of this sector.

We aim to create a new school of thinking amongst engineers and scientists, capable of leading the transformation from fossil fuel transport to sustainable and environmentally friendly electric transport.

Our partners 

A collaboration between two of the UK's largest and most forward-thinking research groups in electric propulsion: the Electrical Power Group at Newcastle University and the Power Electronics, Machines and Control Research Group at the University of Nottingham.

The CDT is supported by over 30 industrial and network partners to deliver unprecedented high-quality research and comprehensive training.

Training 

We have developed a radical new training programme that will equip our students with a new school of thinking for solving problems to ensure maximum research impact. 

Highlights of the training programme include: 

• Fusion-Training-Units - a revolutionary new training method combining technical knowledge with professional skills. 
• Supervisor-on-Demand scheme - students will get support from their main academic and industrial supervisor and also from a pool of experts throughout training and research. 
• A large choice of taught modules and laboratories - subjects in engineering, science, business tailored to students' needs.