Electronics and Electrical Engineering

The Institute for Energy Systems at the School of Engineering of the University of Edinburgh is looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated applicants for an exciting PhD position that will research and develop advanced cryogenic power electronics solutions for key net-zero applications such as all-electric aviation and wind energy. This fully-funded PhD project will provide the opportunity to contribute to advancing disruptive technologies with high-potential impact for decarbonising energy systems, while developing industry-relevant skills in power conversion systems design, testing and validation.

Superconducting cryogenic powertrains represent a groundbreaking advancement in next-generation all-electric aviation, with the potential to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Integrating power converters within cryogenic settings offers substantial benefits, as some semiconductor devices achieve step-change performance improvements at these temperatures. In particular, key potential performance improvements are higher power density and enhanced efficiency, which are two of the main challenges for electric aviation power converters. 

The project will investigate power module design and advanced gate driving strategies using wide-bandgap semiconductors that show significant loss reduction at cryogenic temperatures. The research will address a range of critical challenges associated with implementing power converters using wide-bandgap semiconductor devices in cryogenic environments. Key specific challenges include optimising PCB layout to handle high current levels while minimizing power loop parasitic inductance, ensuring uniform current sharing among parallel devices, and developing effective thermal management solutions tailored for low-temperature operation. Additionally, the project will explore robust gate drive implementations capable of maintaining reliable switching performance under cryogenic thermal conditions. This project will involve a substantial amount of experimental work using the high-voltage and high-current test facilities at the University of Edinburgh.

The successful candidate will be based at the world leading Institute for Energy Systems (IES), benefiting from state-of-the-art equipment at the new IES laboratory focused on electrical power conversion for net-zero technologies. (Details available: https://eng.ed.ac.uk/about/news/20250130/offshore-renewables-lab-receives-ps2-million-grant). The PhD student will join the electrical power conversion team at Edinburgh, including other PhD students and post-doctoral researchers covering a broad range of themes related to power electronics and electrical machines. Funding is provided for three and a half years covering tuition fees, an enhanced rate stipend and research costs associated with the project.

Early application is advised as the position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified.

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 should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or high Upper Second-Class Honours degree (or the equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or a relevant discipline. A master’s level qualification in Power Electronics or/and Power Engineering would be advantageous.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellent problem-solving abilities for power electronics systems and proficiency in PCB design and implementation. Moreover, experience with finite element software, such as Ansys Maxwell or Q3D, and hands-on experience would be advantageous. Familiarity with mathematical modelling of power electronics circuits is also desirable.

Further information and other funding options.

This PhD project aims to design heat integration strategies within multi-vector energy systems to enhance overall system flexibility and efficiency.

The route to net zero faces two main challenges: first, the increasing integration of non-dispatchable and variable renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar power, creates significant challenges for energy systems, notably in terms of maintaining reliability and balancing supply with demand; and, second, there is almost no progress and not even a credible roadmap for heat decarbonisation (low temperature space heating as well as high temperature industrial heat). By focusing on the thermal aspects of energy systems, and particularly on strategies for efficient heat integration, this research aims to provide novel solutions that enhance system stability and provide affordable and sustainable heat.

The project will investigate heat integration techniques across various levels of the energy system, including industrial processes, district heating networks, and residential heating solutions. Key areas of focus will include the integration of advanced thermal storage technologies, the utilisation of waste heat recovery, and the implementation of innovative heat pump technologies. This multi-scale approach ensures that the project addresses both high-grade industrial heat and low-grade residential heat requirements.

A significant component of the research will involve the development of mathematical models and simulation tools to evaluate potential heat integration scenarios. The models and tools will be built on existing open-source tools in the Institute for Energy Systems, commercials tools such as TRNSYS and open-source tools such as PyPSA. These tools will help in identifying optimal ways to deploy thermal energy storage and recovery, thus enabling better management of renewable generation variability. The methodologies developed will consider not only energy efficiency but also economic and environmental impacts, ensuring that the solutions are sustainable both technically and financially.

The candidate will develop a wide range of skills in simulation, optimisation, and data analysis which are widely applicable to future career development. Additionally, there are opportunities for engaging with an open and inclusive community of open-source energy system developers both within IES and globally. 

Overall, this PhD project offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing system flexibility through heat integration, addressing critical challenges in the transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy future.

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.

Essential background: 

• 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Energy Engineering/Economics, Informatics, or similar
• Programming in Python, Julia or other high-level language

Desirable background:

• Energy system modelling and optimisation
• Data analysis, optimisation and/or machine learning
• Experience in thermal energy system modelling

Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for  scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere

Further information and other funding options.

This PhD project delves into the dynamics of residential energy consumption, system flexibility, and employs the systems transition engineering processes (STEPs) to tackle energy poverty with novel utility network-to-end-use flexibility opportunities. The research is framed around the critical need to create resilient urban energy systems that not only adapt to fast-paced technological and environmental changes but also promote energy equity and efficiency.

In urban environments, residential areas are key consumers of energy and greatly influence the overall dynamics of urban energy flow. The primary aim of this research is to innovate, model and optimise the intake and distribution of energy in residential sectors and examine how these modifications can alleviate energy poverty, characterised by lack of access to reliable and affordable energy services. This involves understanding the specific energy needs of underserved populations and integrating solutions that ensure equitable energy distribution.

Transition engineering principles guide the project's approach, integrating systems thinking, predictive modelling, and simulation techniques to explore novel and practical engineering adjustments for improving system flexibility and reliability amid increasing green energy integration and fluctuating demand. Expertise will be gained in grid and network technology and commercial operations, and energy end uses—from heating and lighting to appliances and electronic devices. The project will assess initiatives like participatory demand-response technologies, energy-efficient retrofitting, integrated storage, and community energy systems.

Moving beyond technical analysis, the study will incorporate socioeconomic data to paint a more accurate picture of energy consumption patterns and barriers to energy access in various residential demographics. Simulation tools will evaluate how different interventions might impact energy affordability and reliability at the household level and their wider effects on the energy system's flexibility and sustainability.

Policy implications will also be a significant focus of this research. By identifying regulatory and institutional barriers to equitable energy distribution and system flexibility, the project aims to suggest robust policy measures that can support broad adoption of efficient and equitable energy solutions.

The expected contribution of this PhD project is pioneering energy transition shifts for adaptable, forward-thinking strategies that enhance energy system infrastructure in urban areas, ensuring that they are not only sustainable and flexible but also fair and responsive to the needs of all community members. The PhD candidate will have a Mechanical or Electric Power Engineering qualification, utility industry or energy systems engineering experience, aptitude for modelling, and passion for energy systems transition engineering. Candidates who are systems thinkers are preferred.

This PhD project is advertised as a part of the Edinburgh Research Partnership in Engineering, a joint partnership between the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University. The successful candidate will be supervised by a team consisting of academics from the University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University.

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.

Essential background: 

• 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Energy Engineering/Economics, Informatics, or similar
• Programming in Python, Julia or other high-level language

Desirable background:

• Energy system modelling and optimisation
• Experience in energy systems transition engineering
• Data analysis, optimisation and/or machine learning
• Experience in energy system modelling

Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for  scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere

Further information and other funding options.

The project aims to address a need for the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology who monitor Ammonia in the environment, especially in areas of concern such as pig farms where the high ammonia content can affect the environment.

Currently sensors of sufficient sensitivity for environmental monitoring of ammonia are not readily available for continuous readout, instead samples are collected monthly and analysed in a laboratory with no record of distribution timeline. This project will combine a previously investigated zinc nanowire detection mechanism with an optical ring resonator aiming to give continuous data at the required sensitivity enabling accurate chemical/environmental monitoring.

The successful applicant will initially work with Heriot Watt to model the device and produce a design before learning fabrication techniques in Edinburgh University cleanroom and fabricating devices. Working with the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology to expose the samplesand the performance would then be characterised at the Optics facilities at Heriot Watt.

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.

Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere.

Tuition fees + stipend are available for Home/EU and International students.

Further information and other funding options.