Power Engineering group at QUT offers several PhD scholarships in the rage of interesting topics (follow this link for details of our current research projects). At this stage, we are seeking applicants for the following topics:
Evaluating the performance of PODs due to composite load models with high levels of embedded Distributed PVs (D-PV)
(Partners: Powerlink, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Curtin University)
Power oscillation Damper (POD) in South QLD are used to provide sufficient damping to inter-area mode of oscillations (electro-mechanical modes). These oscillatory modes often change their characteristics due to changes in load dynamics and the inherent transmission system topology. While the interconnections between generators and transmission lines have not changed over the recent years, there is a significant change in the embedded load dynamics. With high penetration of rooftop PV (including PV distributed at LV and MV level), in South QLD, the composite load model has changed dramatically. Conventionally, the load models used for the power system oscillation studies are constant PQ models. AEMO utilizes simple polynomial static load model (also known as ZIP model) for its time-domain and small-signal stability analyses. However, with significantly high penetration of distributed energy sources (primarily residential and commercial PVs), there is a need to incorporate an aggregated load model to represent the embedded D-PV in the power system simulations. The project will use measurement based approach for load modelling under closed loop.
This industry-based PhD project would particularly suit a candidate who is interested in applying and advancing their power systems skills to solve challenging problems. Experience in coding in a relevant programming language (e.g. MATLAB, PYTHON) would be advantageous. You will also gain experience in working and communicating with researchers from relevant power industry (Powerlink) advancing your potential career pathways post-PhD.
One PhD scholarship is available and applications are invited until the position is filled. For more information, please contact: Assoc. Prof. Yateendra Mishra
Addressing the operational and planning challenges in transmission networks due to high levels of DERs
While the power-angle characteristics and associated angle stability are well understood from the synchronous generation perspective, it is not well investigated for inverter-interfaced DER. Several GWs of DERs have been recently connected at the transmission network, challenging the conventional way of operating the networks owing to the inherent intermittency with DERs. The high levels of inverter-interfaced DERs will upset the existing wide-area protection schemes and need innovative approaches to address them. Furthermore, these DERs require secure back-and-forth communication from the control centre to meet the ramp-up/down requirements. Modelling every inverter in the system with the detailed EMT model may not be an efficient way to investigate this issue, given that the number of DERs in the network will only increase in the coming years. Also, the conventional mode of communication with many DERs is prone to eavesdropping, compromising network security. This project aims to provide transmission network service providers with the operational characterisation of cumulative DERs and the algorithms to secure communications for operation and planning purposes.
This project would particularly suit a candidate who is interested in applying and advancing their power systems skills to solve challenging problems. Experience in coding in a relevant programming language (e.g. MATLAB, PYTHON) would be advantageous. You will also gain experience in working and communicating with researchers from relevant power industry advancing your potential career pathways post-PhD.
There are two PhD scholarships available and applications will remain open until both positions are filled. For more information, please contact: Assoc. Prof. Yateendra Mishra
Expected Residential Costumer Loss of Energy Export Evaluation Due High Level of PV Penetration in LV Networks
The global move and government incentives towards renewable electrical energy has encouraged increasing residentials to utilise Photo Voltaic (PV) electrical energy sources on their rooftop. However, currently LV networks are least equipped with measurement and control devices, and it will take years with sound economic technical planning to do so. The increased penetration of PV in LV networks can rise voltage above allowable limit causing residential household inverter(s) to shut down. The described situation can introduce drawback for residential customers and cause tremendous challenges for LV network operators. In absent of measuring devices and communication infrastructure in almost all current LV networks, this research project proposes an innovative state estimation approach to estimate voltage profiles at various essential LV nodes highly accurately. The voltage profiles estimation in LV network as PV outputs and loads changes throughout the year will enable us to evaluate the expected loss of residential energy export due to voltage rise issues. In addition, this research study will provide LV network operators with valuable index to plan and operate the grid most efficiently and economically.
One PhD scholarship is available and for further information, please contact: Dr Ghavameddin Nourbakhsh or Assoc. Prof. Yateendra Mishra
Our contact
For general and other power related inquiries, please email relevant academic supervisors. Our team is predominately located in S-Block at the QUT Gardens Point Campus, 2 George Street, Brisbane City, Australia.
What you’ll receive
You’ll receive a stipend scholarship of around $32 k per annum for a maximum duration of up to 3.5 years (the duration includes an extension of up to 6 months). This is the full-time, tax-free rate which will index annually.
If you’re an international student, you will also receive a tuition fee sponsorship for your research degree.
For more Information, visit Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship page.
How to apply
Apply for this scholarship at the same time you apply for admission to a QUT Doctor of Philosophy.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) following the advice at How to apply for a research degree. In your EOI, copy the link to this scholarship website into question 2 of the financial details section.
If your expression of interest is accepted, you’ll be invited to submit a full application, including a research proposal, to finalise your application. You must be accepted into QUT’s Doctor of Philosophy program to receive this scholarship.