Degree type
PhD
Closing date
25 September 2023
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
Fuel cells are promising renewable energy sources that offer clean and efficient power generation. However, due to their low voltage and high current output characteristics, power conversion for interlinking fuel cells with the DC link voltage presents many challenges, including achieving high voltage gain, ensuring high efficiency, and maintaining stable operation under varying load conditions. Therefore, finding an optimal commercially available solution is challenging. This project aims to design, analyse and develop high-performance power converters specifically tailored for fuel cell system applications. The research objective is to derive ultra-high step-up converters that can efficiently and effectively convert the low-voltage, high-current output of fuel cells into a usable and stable output voltage suitable for various applications. The designed power converter will exhibit high efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness to facilitate the widespread adoption of fuel cell technology. The project involves deriving, modelling, simulating, prototype building and experimental testing of the proposed power converters to validate the performance.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Waqas HassanFunding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A strong background and interest in power electronics
- Keen to work on circuit design, semiconductor modelling, and power electronic devices, including SiC and GaN
- Experience with PCB design and firmware development for microcontrollers
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Candidates with industry experience in the field are encouraged to apply
- Motivated to learn and have a scientific mindset and team spirit
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Waqas Hassan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 25 September 2023.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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