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Sunday, January 23, 2011

EPSRC PhD Studentships in Power Electronics Machines and Drives (Newcastle University-UK)


Power Electronics, Machines and Drives Research Group

Newcastle University

Supervisors: Professor B. Mecrow, Dr. M. Armstrong, Dr. D. Atkinson, Dr. W. Cao, Dr. D. Giaouris, Dr. V. Pickert, Dr. B. Zahawi
Duration of the award: 3 years
Project descriptions
The Power Electronics, Machines and Drives research group is offering funded PhD positions in a range of topics within the field of power electronics, machines and drives to start in September 2011. Example projects include:
Electric and Hybrid vehicles
Electric vehicles are expected to become mainstream within the next few years and are likely to eclipse the internal combustion engine within 30 years. There are many challenges facing their development, including performance, efficiency and cost. Through our close links with the automotive industry, we are able to offer topics in leading edge research, ranging from charging systems using inductive power transfer, through power electronic converters and their thermal management to traction motors.

Aircraft systems
This is a very exciting time in aircraft development, as electrical systems replace the older mechanical and hydraulic ones. We are researching new, high reliability, fault tolerant electrical generation and actuation systems in the more electric aircraft and propulsion systems for solar aircraft. We are working with leading aerospace companies, developing new systems for the next generation of aircraft. Systems will be lighter, more reliable and more efficient than those on existing planes.
New and renewable energy systems
The need to reduce our dependence upon fossil fuels places renewable energy systems at the centre of our society’s “grand challenges”. Our interests encompass the electrical aspects of wind, solar, tidal and wave technologies. Focus ranges from the electrical generator through to conditioning of the electrical power produced. We collaborate with a range of organisations, including NAREC, the New and Renewable Energy Centre. There is also opportunity for research of energy storage concepts, which pose a major challenge for future renewable systems.
Energy Efficient Products
The drive toward increasing energy efficiency in electrical products is a central feature of producing a low carbon society. We are working on new concepts of power electronics, drive and machines with a range of companies, some of whom have staff based in our Centre for Advanced electrical Drives. There are opportunities for research projects, centred around energy efficiency, in all disciplines.
Industrial Sponsorship
Most of our research is conducted in collaboration with world leading industrial companies. You may be offered an additional industrial bursary and industrial assistance, ensuring that the results of your research are incorporated into new products.
Value of the Award and Eligibility
Depending on how you meet the EPSRC’s eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. A full award covers tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and an annual stipend of £13,590 (2010/11). A partial award covers fees at the UK/EU rate only.
Person Specification
Applicants should have a minimum of an upper-second-class Honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant science, technology or engineering subject.

Funding information

Funding applies to:
EU applicants (including UK)

Contacts and how to apply

Academic contact:
If you wish to have informal discussions about any of the projects, please contact Dr Horsfall, the Postgraduate Research Director (a.b.horsfall@ncl.ac.uk).
Administrative contact and how to apply:
You must complete the University's postgraduate application form. Select "PhD School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (full time) – Electronic & Electrical Engineering” as the programme of study. Only mandatory fields need to be completed (no personal statement required) but you must attach a copy of your CV and a covering letter, quoting the title of the studentship and reference number EE023.
Application deadline:
28 January 2011

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