Energy 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.)

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.