Resilient Control for Marine Microgrids

About the research project

This PhD research will develop intelligent and resilient control systems for floating renewable energy platforms that operate in moving ocean environment. These platforms experience continuous motion that affects both energy generation and power quality. The research creates intelligent control systems that adapt to these conditions, automatically managing power from solar panels, wind turbines, and wave energy converters while maintaining stable electricity supply. The system will explore how the use of excess energy help stabilises the platform or provide propulsion, turning a challenge into an advantage. This technology support future autonomous ocean operations, aquaculture and remote communities by making offshore renewable energy systems reliable and self-managing.

Primary supervisor

Meet Associate Professor 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 funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum 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)

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.

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.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applications are open to Domestic/ International/ Onshore applicants
• 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:

• 1st class honours or equivalent in in electrical, control, or power systems engineering 
• Experienced in control theory, algorithm design and power electronics 
• Programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar platforms
• Understanding of microgrids, renewable energy technologies and energy storage

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience with marine or offshore power systems
• Knowledge of machine learning and adaptive control methods 
• Understanding of power quality and stability analysis
• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop testing systems
• Interest in sustainable energy and autonomous systems

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Associate Professor 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 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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