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Energy Systems
Chair in Renewable Energy Technology and Head of Research Institute
Alasdair.McDonald@ed.ac.uk
4.016 Engineering Forum
Mechanical Engineering
Energy Systems
Professor in the Institute for Energy Systems and Mechanical Engineering Discipline, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. Models and designs powertrains and generators for offshore wind turbines.
PhD in "Structural analysis of low speed, high torque electrical generators for direct drive renewable energy converters" from Edinburgh (2004-2008). This started me looking at the integrated electrical-magnetic-mechanical modelling and design of large electrical machines for offshore renewable energy.
During my PhD, I started work on a double-sided air-cored permanent magnet machine concept called "C-Gen". Ultimately this lead to a formation and spin-out of a company called NGenTec, where as a founder I worked as Chief Engineer, helping to develop linear, radial-flux and axial-flux variants.
In 2012, I returned to academia, as a lecturer in Wind Turbine Technology in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineer at the University of Strathclyde. Based in the EPSRC CDT in Wind Energy Systems, over the following years I was promoted to Senior Lecturer and then Reader in Wind Turbine Technology. During those years I developed interests in wind turbine powertrain modelling, design, optimisation, reliability and condition monitoring, always asking what technology will give the lowest cost of energy for offshore renewables.
In 2021, I rejoined Edinburgh, where I work in Electrical Power Conversion group as applied to Wind Energy and Offshore Renewable Energy.
My career publications can be found here (please scroll down to the very bottom to see the ones that no one has read) and my EPSRC-funded projects are here (email me for the long list of those that didn't get funded).
PhD, University of Edinburgh, 2008
MEng (Hons) in Integrated Electrical & Mechanical Engineering, University of Durham, 2004
Member of the Institution for Engineering Technology (IET), CEng
- Design of permanent magnet electrical machines for wind energy and offshore renewable energy
- Design for lightweight electrical machines
Lecturer in Electrical Machines and Drives
s.neira@ed.ac.uk
3.101 Faraday
Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Energy Systems
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Sebastian Neira Castillo (MIEEE, MIET) is a Lecturer in Electrical Machines and Drives at The University of Edinburgh. He received a dual PhD in Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile and the University of Edinburgh, with a thesis titled "Design of Power Converters with Embedded Energy Storage for Hybrid DC-AC Applications".
His research expertise lies within the power electronics field with extensive practical experience in developing novel power converter topologies and control systems with direct use in electrical machine drives, renewable energy applications and energy storage systems. A core component of his work is the experimental validation of power conversion systems, with experience testing up to megawatt-scale power ratings. Since 2019, he has actively participated in collaborative research projects, resulting in the publication of 1 patent application and 30 peer-reviewed articles.
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile and University of Edinburgh, 2023.
Título de Ingeniero Civil Electricista (Electrical Engineer), Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, 2016.
- Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
- Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
- Next Generation Network (NGN) Member of CIGRE
- Electronics and Electrical Engineering 1
- Power Conversion [4/MSc]
- Advanced Power Electronics and Machines [5/MSc]
Postgraduate
haroon.zafar@ed.ac.uk
1/A110 Alrick Building
Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Energy Systems
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.
Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Dr Sebastian Neira Castillo – s.neira@ed.ac.uk.
Formal applications should always be via the online system of the University of Edinburgh.
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.
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