Long-term Power System Planning Based on Bi-level optimization Considering Renewable Energy and Electrical Vehicles (Advert Reference: RDF18/MPE/MARZBAND)

Renewable energy resources have gained considerable share of the electricity market, as they are sustainable and environmental friendly. However, renewable energy is intermittent and non-dispatchable and this can have impact on grid control and reliability. Energy storage provides the missing link for supply-demand balance and therefore could be used for grid control to improve the reliability of the grid. On the other hand, the continues increase in the use of electric vehicles (EV) is causing concern about the effects of EVs on the grid. Developments in EV technology is making it possible to use the EV as storage to support the grid. As a result, EVs can act in three modes: First, EVs in charging mode; and being a heavy load, charging of high volume EVs at certain time duration, could lead to power shortage. The second mode is discharging mode, when fully charged EVs are used as portable sources. Finally, EVs can serve as an energy carrier (storage) to support local renewable energy generation and reduce transmission losses. Application of EV to support the grid requires smart control and energy management in order to improve the reliability of the whole system. Smart demand side management is an important part of this and is vital to reduce the probability of power shortage.

This project focuses on the application of EVs in cooperation with renewable resources in order to support the grid, improve the stability of the whole system and incentivize owners to use EVs instead of conventional vehicles. The main objectives of the research are:
1. Energy management system considering EVs according to real-time, day ahead and long-term scheduling to maximize the use of renewable resources, support the grid and minimize the pollutant emissions.
2. Introducing an effective strategy for charging/discharging of EVs in order to minimize the total cost of use/ownership and encourage the uptake of EVs.
3. Identification of EVs’ users behaviour in order to find the optimal location for planning charging/discharging nodes in order to reduce energy consumption.
4. Develop an effective bidding strategy to incentivize EV aggregators to play a role in the energy market.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see:
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF18/…) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 28 January 2018

Start Date: 1 October 2018

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers.