Degree type
PhD
Closing date
25 September 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.
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 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
- 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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