Degree type
PhD
Closing date
27 March 2023
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic/International
About the research project
DC nanogrids have been rapidly developing to deliver clean energy to non-electrified and offshore settings. DC nanogrids consist of renewable energy sources such as solar PV and fuel cells and energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors to provide energy efficiently and reliably. Unidirectional and bidirectional power converters are typically employed to integrate PV and battery and provide stable power to loads. This architecture offers greater control flexibility and easy implementation; however, resulting in high cost and low power density. Three port power converters with at least one bidirectional port are an optimal solution to overcome these shortcomings. However, designing three-port power converters featuring voltage control and power management of each port with a simple control strategy while achieving high efficiency, high reliability, and low cost is challenging. Therefore, finding an optimal commercially available solution is difficult. This project focuses on designing and developing novel three-port power converters topologies and control strategies with high efficiency, high power density and low cost. The project involves deriving, modelling, simulating, prototype building and experimental testing the proposed topologies 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.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
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 MCUs
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
There is a three-step application process:
- Select your project, and check you meet the eligibility and selection criteria;
- Contact the Primary Supervisor, Dr Waqas Hassan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- 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
