Application of Wide-Bang Gap Power Semiconductors in Wind Energy Power Converters

Position: EPSRC CASE Studentship in advanced electronic power conversion for wind energy systems

Industrial Partner(s): Philip Waite (Siemens Wind Power Limited, WP TE TD PCG FC, Keele University Science Business Park, Keele ST5 5NP, United Kingdom)

We are looking for enthusiastic, self-motivating applicants for an exciting research position that will explore the use of state-of-art power semiconductors to deliver gains in both efficiency and reliability in the clean energy sector. Operating within the Edinburgh University’s Institute of Energy Systems and in close collaboration with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy; the project will provide an opportunity to influence real world technology, leading to industry scale testing with one of the global leaders in wind energy. The successful candidate will join the power electronic research group led Professor Stephen Finney where they will both contribute to the research program and develop industry relevant skills in electronic design and the application of power semiconductor devices. (Recognised as key skills shortage by the UK government report “Power electronics: A strategy for success” https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/31795/11-1073-power-electronics-strategy-for-success.pdf). They will be joining a team with a strong record of academic outputs, industry engagement and PhD supervision, including over 200 Journal/conference publications and over 20 PhD completions.

In this project we will be investigating power electronic architectures for the next generation of 5MW+ wind turbines- with particular focus on the benefits/problems of moving to new wide band-gap power semiconductors. Research will investigate the medium term impact (10 years) of the completely different characteristics of SiC Mosfet (compared to silicon IGBT) on choice of wind-turbine converter topology and connection voltage with the target of the most /total cost optimised solution in ac-connected offshore wind turbines (with nacelle mounted transformer).

Entry Requirements
Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in Electronic/Electrical Engineering, or a closely related subject, possibly supported by an MSc Degree.
For further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants, please see here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/english/postgraduate