Degree type
PhD
Closing date
25 September 2023
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems are significantly growing for transmitting large amounts of power over long distances with minimal transmission losses at low cost. Traditional HVDC systems were developed using thyristor-based current source converters (CSC). The advent of semiconductor devices paved the way for the introduction of voltage source converter (VSC) based HVDC systems, which have been widely adopted for integrating large-scale renewable energy and asynchronous network interconnection. However, VSC-HVDC systems are vulnerable to DC faults. Therefore, protection becomes more crucial and presents significant technical challenges, including the need for fast and reliable operation, lower power losses and the ability to handle high levels of DC current at low cost. Hybrid DC circuit breakers (CBs), a combination of solid-state and mechanical breakers, are optimal solutions for VSC-HVDC systems, nonetheless, they are still in the early stages of their development and are not yet commercially viable. This project will address key technical challenges associated with the design of hybrid DC circuit breakers and develop a new hybrid DC circuit breaker topology to overcome existing challenges and improve reliability and performance. The proposed DC circuit breaker topology is modelled, analysed and evaluated by software simulation models. The project results will have significant implications and contributions to advancing the future development of VSC-HVDC systems, such as Marinus Link.
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.
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.
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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