Power Hardware in Loop Test System

Development of Power Hardware in the Loop Test System for an Electric Ferry

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Launceston

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

This project aims to develop a power hardware in the loop (PHIL) test system for the electrical power system of a battery/fuel cell powered ferry. Fuel cell is the main source of power, and the battery is used to supply/absorb rapid changes in the propulsion load.

The OPAL-RT real-time simulator platform, together with Imperix four-quadrant amplifier will be used to develop the PHIL test system. The research in this project intends to design individual ship power system components by modelling and testing them in the real-time simulation platform. Individual units will then be utilised to develop the electric ferry power system. Novel power management and control technologies will be developed and tested in parallel to the hardware integration. The outcome of the project is a PHIL test system model of a battery/fuel cell powered electric ferry. The project intends to build a physical test-rig to establish a capacity for validating the PHIL test system models, and further experimental test required for diverse hybrid power systems evolving in maritime industry.

The objectives of this project are to:

  1. Develop simulation models for the experimental power system’s individual components in non-real-time (MATLAB-Simulink & Simscape) and real-time simulation platform OPAL-RT.
  2. Model validation of individual components through PHIL tests.
  3. Integrate individual components to design a PHIL test system of an electric ferry ensuring the performance and stability of system.
  4. Develop power management and control technologies for the integrated system and validation through PHIL tests.
  5. Establish an experimental rig for model validation and further research.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Hossein Enshaei

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 $32,192 per annum (2024 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:

  • Understanding of electrical principals and operation of variable speed drives
  • Experienced in working with engineering software, such as MATLAB

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Basic understanding of ship power systems

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Hossein Enshaei to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. 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.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

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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