This PhD project will develop and validate fast, zonal voltage control strategies for power grids with high penetrations of inverter-based resources (IBRs). The research will focus on grid segmentation methods, coordinated voltage control across zones and scalable architectures that enhance voltage stability. The work involves dynamic modelling, advanced control design, simulation, and validation on benchmark power systems. An optional research secondment with GE Vernova will provide opportunities to gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art.
The successful applicant will work in the Control and Power Group at Imperial College London. They will join a team of around 12-15 researchers working in the area of stability and control of power grids with high shares IBRs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities include defining, with support from the supervisor, the research questions, creating and managing a plan for the PhD, reviewing the relevant literature, conducting independent research, reporting progress, disseminating results in high-impact refereed journals and conferences. The successful candidate will be based at Imperial, but they might have to do a research secondment at GE Vernova.
Essential Requirements:
Applicants should have a first-class Master’s degree (or other equivalent experience). The successful candidate will have an excellent understanding in power system dynamics, power electronics and control. Experience in working with power systems dynamic simulation will be helpful, but not necessary to apply for the position.
