Postgraduate Studentships
Proposed Project Title: Power System Islanding Detection using Synchrophasors
Principal Supervisor: Dr David Laverty

Project Description:

The growth in installed capacity of renewable electricity generation over the past decade has presented system operators with a number of challenges, including how best to protect such generators from forming unplanned “power islands”. This has traditionally been achieved using protection relays which analyse only the voltage at the generator terminals, but these are proving to be inadequate for modern needs.

This project will apply Synchrophasor technology to the problem of reliably detecting that generators have become islanded. The project will involve the development of phase estimation algorithms which are reliable during transient events, and creating rules on the protection relays which accommodate different types of generation and can identify faulty sensors.

Objectives:

• To develop and test phase estimation algorithms for real-time applications.
• To create a test-bench for loss-of-mains detection relay development in a numerical environment (e.g. Matlab).
• To test algorithms in the presence of realistic power system scenarios.
• To demonstrate the algorithm can distinguish genuine data from faulty sensors.
• To collaborate with colleagues at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies (CSIT)
• To publish in leading journals of the IET / IEEE and present at major conferences.

Academic Requirements:

A minimum 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in Computer Science or Electrical and Electronic Engineering or relevant degree is required.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This 3 year PhD studentship, potentially funded by the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), commences on 1 October 2015.

Eligibility for both fees and maintenance (£13,863 in 2014/15, 2015/16 TBC) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship. Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.

Please note: DEL awards are available for Home and EU candidates only.

Applicants should apply electronically through the Queen’s online application portal at:
https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/

Further information available at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/eeecs/StudyattheSchool/PhDProgrammes

Contact detail

Supervisor Name: Dr David Laverty
Tel: +44 (0)28 9097 4651
QUB Address: School of EEECS
Email: david.laverty<στο>gmail.com
Ashby Building
125 Stranmillis Road
Belfast, BT9 5AH, UK

Deadline for submission of applications is Friday 27 February 2015

For further information on Research Area click on link below:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/research-centres/EPIC/