Strengthening the Grid Using HVDC Energy Reservoir: Design and Testing High Voltage Power Electronics Systems

This PhD project will develop next-generation grid-scale energy storage solutions integrated into HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) systems at the University of Edinburgh, in partnership with UK Grid Solutions Ltd on behalf of GE Vernova. The project’s topic will revolve around advanced high-voltage power electronics design and control, addressing both academic and industry needs.

HVDC transmission is a foundational technology for modern power systems, efficiently delivering electricity over long distances and enabling the integration of remote renewable energy sources. As renewable penetration increases, new challenges arise regarding grid stability, flexible power management, and the provision of ancillary services as conventional synchronous generation declines.

Integrating grid-scale energy storage within HVDC networks is a promising response to these challenges. Such integration allows HVDC systems to deliver a broad range of new grid services, including fast frequency response, voltage and reactive power control, grid stability enhancement, black start capability, and renewable energy firming. There is also a growing need for HVDC converters to provide grid-forming services, ensuring stable operation even as system dynamics evolve. Recent advances in Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) topologies, along with developments in battery and supercapacitor technologies, create new opportunities for embedding storage at multiple points within the HVDC architecture—on the AC side, DC side, or directly within converter submodules.

The research will tackle several key technical, economic, and safety questions:

• Determining optimal stored energy requirements for grid support, considering various timescales and power ratings.
• Reviewing and benchmarking storage technologies (lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and hybrids) for volume, cost, reliability, safety, and lifecycle.
• Analysing converter topologies and control systems suitable for connecting storage to the HVDC bus, with a focus on MMC-based architectures and distributed storage integration.
• Examining the physical arrangement, fire safety, redundancy, and maintenance requirements for embedded storage.
• Evaluating economic considerations, including converter, control, and installation costs.

Hosted within the University of Edinburgh’s ‘Electrical Power Conversion Group’, the successful candidate will join the Electrical Power Conversion Group and undertake comprehensive literature and market surveys, develop advanced simulation models, investigate integration into HVDC transmission systems, and design/test scaled-down hardware models at the ‘Wolfson Net Zero Electrical Power Conversion Laboratory’ in the School of Engineering, Edinburgh. The outcomes will directly support the transition to net zero by enabling more resilient and flexible integration of renewables into the electricity grid, as well as informing GE Vernova’s future product development.

GE Vernova’s involvement will offer the candidate the opportunity to engage with experienced engineers, including a period working at GE Vernova’s main HVDC design office in Stafford, UK. There, the candidate will gain experience in the design, manufacture, and advanced testing of HVDC power electronic systems and associated components.

This fully funded studentship provides an enhanced tax-free stipend of £24,000 per annum for 3.5 years, plus a travel bursary and consumables for laboratory experiments. Additional paid tutoring work may also be available within the School of Engineering.

Applications will be considered as they are received, and the position will close once a suitable candidate has been appointed.

Electrical Power Conversion Group: https://eng.ed.ac.uk/research/themes/electrical-power-conversion 

Wolfson Net Zero Electrical Power Conversion Laboratory: https://eng.ed.ac.uk/about/news/20250130/offshore-renewables-lab-receives-ps2-million-grant 

GE Vernova, Grid Solutions: https://www.gevernova.com/grid-solutions 

The University of Edinburgh Equality and Diversity: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity 

Informal enquiries: Dr Michael Merlin (michael.merlin@ed.ac.uk) or Dr Paul Judge (paul.judge@ed.ac.uk)

Minimum entry qualification - an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or International equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering discipline, possibly supported by an MSc Degree. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.

• Applicants must hold a 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or a closely related discipline. Applicants with work experience in a related field will also be considered, even with different academic backgrounds.
• A solid understanding of power electronics fundamentals is essential. Knowledge or experience in HVDC systems is highly desirable but not required.
• The majority of the research will involve simulation and modelling; however, an interest in hardware experimental design and testing is welcome.
• Due to project-specific visa and intellectual property requirements, this studentship is open to UK / EU nationals only.

Further information and other funding options.

Tuition fees + stipend are available for applicants who qualify as Home applicants (International/Overseas applicants are not eligible)

Home Students:

To qualify as a Home student, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• You are a UK or Irish student
• You are an EU student with settled/pre-settled status who also has 3 years residency in the UK/EEA/Gibraltar/Switzerland immediately before the start of your Programme. (International students not eligible.)