Representative Environment for Complex Power and Energy Systems Validation through Geographically Distributed Research Infrastructures

A three-year funded PhD in Representative Environment for Complex Power and Energy Systems Validation through Geographically Distributed Research Infrastructures is offered as part of an international collaboration between Strathclyde, TU Delft, RWTH Aachen University and Nanyang Technological University.

Power systems around the world are already undergoing an unprecedented transition with the integration of power electronics-interfaced renewable technologies and a further disruptive transformation is expected with aggressive renewable integration targets, accelerated electrification of transport, driven by global ambitions to achieve net-zero operation. There is a growing need for accurate representation of complex power systems within representative operating environments. Detailed emulation of operational environment is required to identify intricate dependencies and interactions to ensure robust and resilient operation of safety critical systems.  

Existing laboratory techniques to date are limited to emulation of “well established” disturbed and stressed system conditions due to the risk posed to expensive equipment utilised. The lack of a representative systems environment capable of emulating simultaneously interacting multiple stress factors presents a challenge. This candidate will focus on techniques that allow emulation of extreme scenarios, extending known boundaries to encompass technologies and scenarios relevant and necessary for complex systems testing. 

This PhD provides an opportunity to work as part of an international team of researchers driving breakthroughs in harnessing the combined resources of multiple, leading, geographically separated research laboratories. The successful candidate will be part of Dynamic Power Systems Laboratory team at Strathclyde and join a cohort of PhD students across the four Universities. Secondment opportunities with the partner Universities will be made available throughout the course of the PhD. The PhD programme will further involve collaborations with Strathclyde’s MW-scale Power Networks Demonstration Centre.  

To be considered for the project, candidates must: 

·        Possess an undergraduate MEng, first class BSc/BEng Honors, or postgraduate MSc degree in electrical engineering or computer science. 

·        Have a good understanding of electrical power systems and its modelling. 

·        Have a good understanding and appreciation of real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop methods. 

·        Have a demonstrable ability to investigate research problems in an effective manner. 

·        Be willing and able to participate in international secondments. 

Your academic point of contact will be Dr Mazher Syed, Research Fellow and Prof Graeme Burt. 

Application Procedure:

Candidates should email (reference “PhD-DPSL5”) with a detailed CV, contact information for two academic referees, and a covering letter highlighting their suitability for the position, to Dr Mazher Syed ([Email Address Removed]).  

The application deadline is 10th June 2022. 

The project is available for a start from August 2022. 

If you wish to discuss any details of the projects informally, please email Dr Mazher Syed quoting reference “PhD-DPSL5”.