Advanced Power Converter Control for High-Renewable Power Grids

About the research project

The rapid growth of renewable energy generation and battery energy storage is transforming modern power systems, with power electronic converters playing a central role in maintaining grid stability and reliability. As power grids transition towards very high penetrations of inverter-based renewable resources, conventional converter control methods face increasing challenges related to low system strength, reduced inertia, renewable intermittency, and complex interactions among multiple converters.

This project aims to develop advanced control strategies for power inverters to enable the effective and secure integration of renewable energy and battery storage systems into future power grids. The research will investigate innovative control techniques that enhance voltage and frequency regulation, improve transient performance, increase resilience to faults and disturbances, and support stable operation in weak-grid environments. Advanced approaches such as adaptive control, robust control, and virtual synchronous machine concepts will be explored.

The project will involve modelling, simulation, stability analysis, and experimental validation using power converter testbeds. The developed control strategies will be evaluated under a range of realistic operating conditions, including renewable variability, battery storage operation, weak-grid scenarios, and network disturbances. The outcomes will contribute to the development of resilient, flexible, and future-ready power systems capable of supporting very high levels of renewable energy penetration.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor 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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master by Research)
• 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)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Additional Funding

A top-up scholarship may be awarded by the Centre for Renewable Energy and Power Systems (CREPS) based on academic performance and research progress.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for 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.

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

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Waqas Hassan 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 October 2026.

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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