About the Project
First class students are invited to apply for a PhD studentship in the area of power systems reliability, network aggregation, modelling and analysis of active distribution networks, which will contribute to the innovative research in low-carbon smart grids at the University of Bath.
The successful candidate will join a group with a vibrant research activity that seeks to investigate new methodologies for the successful integration of reliability, power quality and security of supply in modern electricity networks. This PhD research will be fully supported by the new hardware-in-the-loop Smart Grid Laboratory currently established within the Centre for Sustainable Power Distribution (CSPD) at Bath. This constitutes a key development for hardware-based analyses including a mix of renewable generation, controllable/flexible loads, energy storage and power micro-grids, which will serve as a ‘plug & play’ platform for first-quality validated research and industry collaboration.
The proposed PhD research requires formulation of new modelling and simulation tools for an optimal network aggregation, including new types of power flows, contingencies, faults, or power quality issues that may arise from the integration of new low-carbon technologies. The fundamental science behind the actively-managed grids will require the application of novel steady-state (e.g. new optimisation methods) and dynamic analyses to updated models of highly meshed, automated, and monitored power networks, supplying demand-manageable loads.
This project will also apply optimisation under uncertainty, and will design new probabilistic methods (i.e. scalable computational solutions) for managing large scale power systems reliability, from long-term planning to real-time operation. The research outcomes will provide an innovative approach to the analytical and simulation techniques (e.g. Monte-Carlo, Marcov, Life-cycle and Risk Modelling) for assessing frequency and duration of outages, energy/power not supplied, and system reliability metrics expressed as accurate probability distributions.
Essential Background: First Class degree in Power Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, or related field.
Relevant Skills: Strong background in mathematics and computer programming. Knowledge of MATLAB/Simulink, and previous experience with power system simulators such as PSS/E, DIgSILENT, OpenDSS, PowerWorld or PSCAD would be advantageous.
For application purposes please upload a copy of your qualifications (transcript and certificate if already obtained), as well as an English translation if these documents are not in English.
This position will be available for starting in October 2017 or soon after.
Candidates are encouraged to contact the supervisor as soon as possible. Please send a cover letter together with your CV and transcripts to [Email Address Removed] to request further information.
Funding Notes
A Home/EU award will cover tuition fees, a training support fee of £1,000/annum, and a tax-free maintenance payment of £14,553 (2017-8 rate) for up to 3.5 years.
An Overseas award (3 years): Provides tuition fee, £1000 per year Training Support Grant, but no stipend.
The successful applicant will ideally have graduated (or be due to graduate) with an undergraduate Masters first class degree and/or MSc distinction (or overseas equivalent).
English language requirements must be met at the time of application to be considered for funding.
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