VSC-HVDC Grid power flow control

Institution: University of Manchester

Dept/School/Faculty: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Power Networks

PhD Supervisor: Prof M Barnes

Application Deadline: Applications accepted all year round

Funding Availability: Funded PhD Project (European/UK Students Only)

Supervising academics: 

M Barnes (second supervisor TBC) 

Student background required: 
Strong electrical engineering degree with some power systems and power electronics modules. 

Benefit to / Impact on Industry: 
Control schemes for multi-terminal mixed AC/DC Grids are a challenge, and of considerable interest to industry both in terms of the DC network but also its impact on the AC Grid. This project will investigate such high level control. 

What novelty will the student base their PhD on? 
Multi-terminal grid control schemes for DC networks – new methods to support AC and DC systems. 

Project overview: 
To integrate offshore renewable and link to European electricity, large DC links are planned. To manage these, new control schemes for such mixed AC/DC power systems need to be invented. This is will be the focus of this project. It will build on recent industrial work at National Grid and Alstom to develop new power flow control schemes and models. The work will involve power systems studies and modelling in DIgSILENT PowerFactory and Matlab. 

Outline of Proposed Project Plan: 
Year 1: Taught courses and preparatory study 
Year 2: Familiarisation with DIgSILENT PowerFactory and development of simplified AC/DC grid model. Investigation of basic systems control. 
Year 3: Investigation of control interaction for adjacent AC/DC converter systems. 
Year 4: Ancilliary benefits of DC infeed to AC systems – e.g. frequency control. 

Funding Notes:

This project is funded by EPSRC, the University of Manchester and our Industry partners. Funding is available to UK candidates. EU candidates are also eligible if they have been studying or working continuously in the UK for three or more years (prior to the start date of the programme). The successful candidates will have their fees paid in full and will receive an enhanced maintenance stipend. 

See here for information on how to apply and entry requirements: www.power-networks-cdt.manchester.ac.uk/study/projects-apply