Hydrogen integration into power systems

Investigation of hydrogen electrolysis technologies supporting the operation and stability of renewables-based power systems

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 February 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic/International

Scholarship

$36,161pa for 3.5 years

About the research project

This project is part of the new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Energy Technologies for Future Grids (ARC Future Grids ITTC). The ARC Future Grids ITTC is a 5 year, $8.5M investment program, including $5M from the Australian Research Council (ARC), designed to support the transition of Australia’s power and energy industry to a more sustainable, competitive and resilient position based on the development of human intellectual capital through training a new generation of innovators while simultaneously fostering an R&D culture within the electricity sector to leverage new skills for advancing Australia’s transition to a clean energy future.

Led by the University of Wollongong, the ARC Future Grids ITTC brings together 6 Universities (The University of New South Wales, The University of Queensland, University of Tasmania, Deakin University, and Curtin University) and 14 industry partners (CSIRO, Hydro Tasmania, TasNetworks, Powerlink, ZECO Energy, GHD, ACEN Australia, TPS Energy, Shoalhaven Water, Ingeteam Australia, Abel Energy, 123V, Essential Energy, and The Australian Power Institute) across five Australian states to deliver the next generation of industry leaders and specialists in future grid technologies to ensure Australia can smoothly manage the transition required in decarbonising its electricity sector. More information about the ITTC is at https://www.uow.edu.au/engineering-information-sciences/research/arc-training-centre-in-energy-technologies-for-future-grids/. The ARC Future Grids Training Centre is hosting a major event – 2023 IEEE International Conference in Energy Technologies for Future Grids (IEEE ETFG 2023) to be held at Wollongong, Australia on 3 – 6 December 2023 (https://attend.ieee.org/etfg-2023/).

This research project will explore the integration of hydrogen production technologies in electrical power systems so as to enhance the development and integration of both large scale renewable energy development and large scale hydrogen development, to ensure reliable and secure system operation. The project will develop appropriate models of alkaline and PEM electrolyser and converter technologies and through simulation will evaluate their impact in power systems, using the Tasmanian power system as a case-study. The project will develop operations and control methodologies for hydrogen electrolysis plants so that they can be operated in power systems that are characterised by large scale renewable energy generation. As part of this project you will be supported and mentored by renewable energy development company UPC\AC Renewables along with global consultant GHD, and will spend time embedded within these organisations as part of the PhD program.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Associate Professor Evan Franklin

Funding

The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $36,161 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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applications are open to both Domestic and International applicants
  • English language proficiency must be above minimum entry requirements for this project
  • 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 desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Experience working in industry, some knowledge of hydrogen electrolysis technologies and experience and skills with power system modelling are desirable

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, Associate Professor Evan Franklin 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.

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