Multi-Three-Phase Drives for Electric Transport

About the Project

The popularity of power electronic drives used to control electrical machines is increasing, pushed by both the surge of renewable energy generation and the ongoing electrification of transport. This trend is expected to continue and rapid developments are happening on multiple fronts; from more efficient wide-bandgap semiconductors, to new materials and design approaches in electrical machines.

Multi-three-phase drives are at the forefront of academic research as they can combine the advantages of these technologies. They can provide extremely high performance with increased reliability while at the same time enabling features which were not possible with conventional three phase topologies. Recent advances have demonstrated high performance with both centralised and decentralised control while challenges remain in the operation under non-ideal conditions.

This PhD will be focused on the design, modelling and implementation of multi-three-phase drives applied to electric vehicles to improve their reliability and overall performance. The student should develop models for the current state of the art for multi-three-phase systems including techniques like vector-space-decomposition (VSD) by using simulation software. Towards the final stages of the project, a bespoke experimental rig will be designed and manufactured to validate all theoretical and analytical work.

The project is expected to address multiple areas including the control, operation under non-ideal conditions, and the scaling and feasibility of an adaptive multi-three-phase system. Long term, the contribution will enable the use of complex systems with multiple multi-three-phase drives, especially concerning the electrification of aerospace and aviation.

Academic qualifications

A first-class honours degree, or a distinction at master level, or equivalent achievements in Electrical Engineering

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Essential attributes:

• Experience of fundamental concepts of power electronic drives and basic control techniques
• Competent in the use of simulation software such as PSIM or PLECS, Matlab and Matlab Simulink as well as competence in a lab envirnonment and carrying out experimental work.
• Knowledge of electrical machine operation and their modelling. Knowledge of popular power electronics topologies, modulation techniques, semiconductor technologies and control techniques. Overall these are the building blocks needed to create electrical drives.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

Desirable attributes:

• Experience in designing circuits and using PCB design software. Confidence with real-time programming and knowledge of programming languages such as C# or C++

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact s.papadopoulos@napier.ac.uk

Application Enquiries: https://www.napier.ac.uk/research-and-innovation/doctoral-college/application-guidance

Application link: https://evision.napier.ac.uk/si/sits.urd/run/siw_sso.go?ElOlarlItFiG37xnH5PRRBvv3d563wLdwX4JfhYskMa3bJWTuc