Fully-funded PhD Studentship in Electrical and Electronic Engineering: Hybrid Energy Storage Systems for Renewable Energy Integration

We are excited to announce a fully-funded PhD studentship opportunity in the field of hybrid energy storage systems to support renewable energy integration. We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated candidate to join our interdisciplinary team, working on cutting-edge research to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Project Description

The global demand for clean and sustainable energy has been steadily increasing, driven by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are playing a crucial role in this transition. However, the variable and intermittent nature of these resources poses challenges in maintaining power grid stability and reliability.

This research project aims to address these challenges by developing advanced hybrid energy storage systems that seamlessly combine multiple energy storage technologies, along with synchronous condensers, to support the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. The successful candidate will work on the design, modelling, and control of the hybrid system to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the power grid. The primary objectives of the project are:

• Investigate the synergistic benefits of combining different energy storage technologies, such as batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, along with synchronous condensers in a hybrid system for power grid support and renewable energy smoothing.
• Investigate the suitability of various combinations to implement this function.
• Study the detailed design of synchronous condensers that may form part of such a system.
• Study the detailed control and energy management within a chosen hybrid system(s) to ensure optimal performance and operation.
• Develop an experimental test facility to demonstrate the functionality of the chosen hybrid system(s).

Funding

This project is funded by Lancaster University. The studentship will cover the cost of tuition fees and a standard tax-free RCUK stipend (currently £17,668 p.a. tax free) for 3.5 years for UK applicants. Non-UK students are welcome to apply, but the funding will only cover the cost of overseas tuition fees for three years and the applicant would need to self-fund their living cost. The successful candidate is expected to start in October 2023.

Qualifications and experience

• Candidates should have a relevant degree at 2.1 minimum or an equivalent overseas degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or closely related disciplines.
• A good background in electrical machines and power electronics is desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to prepare presentations, reports, and journal papers to the highest levels of quality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team consisting of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Overseas applicants may be asked to provide a recognised English language qualification, depending upon their nationality and the institutions they have studied previously, with an IELTS result of minimum 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test.

Informal enquiries and how to apply

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Nan Zhao (nan.zhao@lancaster.ac.uk). Candidates interested in applying should send a copy of their CV, degree transcripts and a personal statement/covering letter addressing their background and suitability for this project to Dr. Nan Zhao by the closing date: 15^th May 2023.

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