Supervisors

Dr Shuhang Shen , University of Exeter
Professor Peter Crossley, University of Exeter

Location:

Department of Engineering, Streatham Campus, Exeter

The University of Exeter’s Department of Engineering is inviting applications for a PhD studentship fully-funded  to commence on 23 September 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.  For eligible students the studentship will cover Home or International  tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £19,237 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study.  The student would be based in Centre for Smart Grid in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.

Project Description:

Phase Shifting Transformers (PSTs) are critical components of modern electrical grids, offering powerful control over power flow and enabling the efficient management of electricity transmission. As the global energy landscape transitions towards renewable energy sources, the need for advanced power control devices like PSTs becomes increasingly critical. PSTs, with their ability to adjust phase angles and redistribute power flows, provide a solution to the challenges in accommodating the variability and unpredictability of renewable energy sources. However, the conventional design of PSTs has limitations of massive size and certain operational constraints such as core saturation. This project seeks to address these limitations by exploring innovative approaches to PST design, with a particular emphasis on size optimisation.

The research will employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to achieve the project's objectives. The first phase will involve a comprehensive review of existing PST designs, focusing on their operational constraints. Following this, advanced FEM simulations will be conducted to model the electromagnetic behaviour of PSTs under various load conditions. These simulations will provide detailed insights into the factors influencing PST performance. In parallel, Machine Learning algorithms will be developed that can inform the design optimisation process. By leveraging the predictive capabilities of ML, the project aims to propose innovative PST designs that are not only compact but also superior in performance.

The anticipated outcomes of this research are twofold: first, the development of a novel PST design framework that significantly reduces the physical footprint of these devices without compromising their performance, and second, the creation of an integrated FEM-ML toolkit that can be applied to the design and optimisation of other critical components in the electrical grid. The successful completion of this project will contribute to the broader goals of achieving Net Zero by enhancing the efficiency and controllability of power networks. The findings will be of significant interest to both academia and industry, providing valuable insights for the future development of PSTs and potentially influencing standards and practices in the field of power engineering.

This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.  For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £19,237 per year tax-free stipend.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 3.5 years of full-time study to commence on 23 September 2024. The collaboration involves a project partner who is providing funding [and other material support to the project], this means there are special terms that apply to the project, these will be discussed with Candidates at Interview and fully set out in the offer letter. 

International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements:
Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or an appropriate area of science or technology.  
If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/

How to apply

Apply now

How to apply
In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents . 
• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Research proposal
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.
The closing date for applications is midnight on 27th September 2024.  Interviews will be held virtually in the week commencing 7th October 2024.
If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers)   Project-specific queries should be directed to the main supervisor.

Summary