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Connecting wind power to existing power systems offers opportunities and challenges as the world shifts to more renewable energy resources. Medium Voltage DC (MVDC) networks are emerging as a practical solution for efficiently transmitting and distributing power. However, the intermittency of wind energy can lead to fluctuations in power quality and system reliability. Hybrid Energy Storage Systems (HESS) can address these problems as they incorporate multiple storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors to enhance the performance and responsiveness of the network stability. HESS can provide essential services such as energy smoothing, frequency regulation and peak shaving which makes them flexible for MVDC applications. Integrating HESS with wind can create a stable and reliable energy supply while maximising energy exploitation from renewable energy resources. HESS also permits for tailored designs that adapt to the demands of variable wind conditions and load profiles.

This project aims at exploring a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) that combines multiple energy storage technologies; batteries and supercapacitors to optimise the utilisation of wind power in MVDC networks.  The project will focus on designing adaptive control that facilitate the integration of HESS to respond to the dynamic changes of wind generation and variable loads. An advanced model predictive control will also be designed to optimise the operation of the HESS while maintaining high power quality. This includes addressing frequency stability and rapid response to grid disturbances.

The PhD student is expected to develop algorithms for real-time monitoring and control. These algorithms will improve energy dispatching and maximise energy conversion efficiency. One task will focus on intelligent control techniques such as machine learning to tune the operation of HESS under variable conditions. A comparative analysis will evaluate the significance of the proposed HESS against traditional techniques. Simulation studies will be conducted using MATLAB to assess system performance under various scenarios. A lab-scale prototype will be implemented to demonstrate the practicality of the proposed system for wind energy integration in MVDC applications. The measurable objectives of the proposed research include:

1) To design and implement a hybrid energy storage system that integrates wind energy into MVDC networks.
2) To develop adaptive control that optimises energy management and enhances responsiveness to grid conditions.
3) To investigate control techniques for real-time monitoring and parameter tuning of the HESS.
4) To conduct a comparative analysis of the proposed hybrid energy storage system against conventional ones.
5) To validate the performance of the proposed system through simulation and prototyping and demonstrate its feasibility for real-world applications.

Funding Information

To be eligible for consideration for a Home DfE or EPSRC Studentship (covering tuition fees and maintenance stipend of approx. £19,237 per annum), a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria and the associated residency requirements:

• Be a UK National,
or • Have settled status,
or • Have pre-settled status,
or • Have indefinite leave to remain or enter the UK.

Candidates from ROI may also qualify for Home student funding.

Previous PhD study MAY make you ineligible to be considered for funding.

Please note that other terms and conditions also apply.

Please note that any available PhD studentships will be allocated on a competitive basis across a number of projects currently being advertised by the School.

A small number of international awards will be available for allocation across the School. An international award is not guaranteed to be available for this project, and competition across the School for these awards will be highly competitive.

Academic Requirements:

The minimum academic requirement for admission is normally an Upper Second Class Honours degree from a UK or ROI Higher Education provider in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.