Renewable Energy/Electrical Engineering PhD Studentship ( University of Exeter - UK)

Power electronics converter for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles Ref: 652

About the award

Primary supervisor: Dr Mohammad Abusara
Secondary supervisor: Professor George Smith

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) shares the characteristics of the traditional hybrid electric vehicle in that it has an internal combustion engine, an electric motor/generator, and a battery. In addition, the PHEV has a plug to connect to the grid during parking. The battery can be charged during off peak periods when the demand on the grid electrical power is low. During peak loads, the parked vehicle can act as a battery powered distributed generator that helps balancing the grid load demand by delivering electrical power into the grid. The vehicle communicates with utility grid operator, via a radio signal for example, to determine charging/discharging mode and rate. An important component of a PHEV is the power electronics converter that performs the battery charging and discharging tasks.

The project will be primarily concerned with fundamental research into the converter to determine the most suitable topology in order to optimize size, cost and efficiency for this application. The project will also deal with the digital control side of the converter to satisfy system requirements of stability, and grid/battery current quality. In addition, a smart voltage controller can be developed so the PHEV can act as a line interactive Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that can transfer seamlessly from grid-connected mode to standalone mode during power outages. For example, this will be used to power a house for a few minutes or perhaps for a few hours if the internal combustion engine of the vehicle is used to charge the battery.

For informal enquiries contact Dr Mohammad Abusara at m.abusara@exeter.ac.uk

Application criteria

The successful applicant should have or expect to achieve at least an upper second class Honours degree, or equivalent qualifications, in Electrical/Electronic Engineering. Preferred skill requirements include knowledge/experience of Power Electronics, Control theory, and Matlab/Simulink

Please note that studentships will be awarded on the basis of merit.
 

Summary

Funded by:	College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
Application deadline:	14th March 2011
Number of awards:	1
Value:	Three-year studentship: Tuition fees [UK/EU or International] and an annual maintenance allowance at current research council rate
Duration of award:	per year
Contact: Liz Roberts	E.G.Roberts@exeter.ac.uk

How to apply

To apply, you must complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.

For general enquiries please contact Liz Roberts at E.G.Roberts@exeter.ac.uk