Source-Independent Protection for Inverter-Dominated Power Networks

Renewables, HVDC systems, and battery energy storage systems are increasingly connected to power networks through power electronic converters. These sources, commonly known as inverter-based resources (IBRs), typically contribute limited fault current, and the phase of the injected current is dictated by their control systems, which can vary significantly between manufacturers and grid-code requirements. With synchronous generators and IBRs sharing the network in changing proportions, fault behaviour becomes harder to predict, and relays can no longer rely on the assumptions on which conventional protection was designed.

This PhD project will develop protection methods that remain reliable regardless of generation technology or converter control strategy. The research will involve power system and IBR modelling, protection algorithm development, laboratory prototyping, and validation through real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing on RTDS.

You will join the Power Systems Group at the University of Manchester, which has a strong international reputation in power systems research, with access to state-of-the-art real-time simulation and protection testing facilities. You will receive training in power system protection, have opportunities to publish in leading journals and present at international conferences, and engage with professional bodies such as IEEE, IET, and CIGRE.

Eligibility

Candidates should hold, or expect to obtain, a First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Power Systems, Power Electronics, Control Engineering, or a closely related discipline. A master's degree in a relevant area is desirable but not essential. Experience in power systems, power electronics, control, electromagnetic transient simulation, or power system protection would be an advantage. Applicants must be eligible for home fee status.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is January 2027.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

Please email Dr Di Liu (d.liu@manchester.ac.uk) with your CV, transcripts, and a short paragraph on your motivation for this project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you'll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you've developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

Funding Notes

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is January 2027.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.