Stability and Control Interaction of Multi-terminal HVDC Systems

About the Project

In order to meet global Net Zero commitments, generation from renewables will form a key part of the electrical energy generation mix. Much of this generation will be located offshore and will need to be transported to shore using High Voltage DC transmission (HVDC). So far, such links have predominantly been directly from a wind farm to shore (point-to-point). However, proposals are developing for multi-terminal grids for improved reliability and asset utilisation.

Proposals for future offshore electrical power grids will use multi-terminal High voltage DC transmission, a relatively new concept. This PhD will consider multi-terminal scheme configurations with various combinations of DC voltage controlling stations (including droop control, both single and multiple droop) and active power controlling stations. The multi-terminal configurations will be used to develop models in Matlab/SIMULINK of bipole converters with neutral current regulation. The research will then consider the potential interactions that may occur when all the converter stations are operating with AC grid-forming functionality. From this, the research will go on to investigate methodologies to determine stability criteria and local and/or global tuning methodologies to ensure power electronic devices interoperability, the DC system stability and ancillary services to support the AC system when needed.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to interact with GE Vernova’s engineering staff and will have the opportunity to work, for part of the time, in GE Vernova’s main HVDC design office, based in Stafford, UK. Here the candidate will have the opportunity to see, design, manufacturing and advanced testing of HVDC power electronics and control systems, as well as other key components such as large power converter transformers.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) and overseas students. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 for 2025/26; subject to annual uplift), plus a company top up of £5000/annum plus funding for travel and consumables. Tuition fees will also be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The preferred start date is July 2026.

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

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD 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.