Hybrid HVDC Circuit Breaker

Design, Modelling and Control of Hybrid DC Circuit Breaker for HVDC System

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

27 March 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 Hassan

Funding

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.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

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

There is a three-step application process:

  1. Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
  2. Contact the Primary Supervisor, Dr Waqas Hassan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. Submit an application by the closing date listed above.
    • 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.
    • As part of your application, you will be required to submit a covering letter, a CV including 2 x referees and your project research proposal.

Following the application 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.

Apply now Explore other projects

Why the University of Tasmania?

Worldwide reputation for research excellence

Quality supervision and support

Tasmania offers a unique study lifestyle experience