Voltage Waveform and Harmonic Modelling for Enhancing Distribution Grid Hosting Capacity by Ensuring Power Quality Standards

About the Project

Summary of the proposed:

The United Kingdom has set legally binding climate targets, committing to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and leading the global charge for carbon neutrality. These ambitious goals require deep decarbonisation across all sectors—with interim targets including a 68% emissions reduction by 2030 and 78% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. The UK's “Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener” outlines transformative initiatives, such as a transition to clean electricity generation by 2030, a ban on the sale of new combustion engine vehicles by 2035, and widespread adoption of electric heat pumps in homes.

Central to achieving these energy efficiency targets is the deployment of power electronic converters, notably Switching Mode Power Supplies (SMPS). These technologies are instrumental in integrating renewable sources, optimizing conversion efficiency, and ensuring grid controllability in the evolving UK energy landscape. However, as the grid accommodates greater numbers of non-linear loads and inverter-based systems—including solar PV installations—it faces increased risk of harmonic distortions. Harmonic disturbances can compromise power quality, cause equipment inefficiencies, overheating, and ultimately threaten the stability and longevity of critical infrastructure.

Solar inverters are a particularly notable source of harmonics, using techniques such as pulse-width modulation for DC-AC conversion which can introduce higher-order harmonics into the grid—even when mitigation filters are in place. The rising prevalence of rooftop and utility-scale PV installations underscores the urgency of addressing these power quality challenges. IEEE and IEC standards define strict thresholds for total harmonic distortion (THD), as exceeding these can lead to increased losses, reduced energy efficiency, equipment failures, and malfunction of sensitive electronics.

Research Focus

This PhD project seeks to advance the accurate modelling of harmonic load currents, with the goal of enabling better prediction, management, and mitigation of grid disturbances. With the UK’s electrical networks rapidly evolving through the integration of renewables and novel grid configurations, robust modelling and analysis of harmonics have become crucial for ensuring sustainable, resilient, and efficient power systems. The successful candidate will:

• Develop cutting-edge harmonic modelling and simulation approaches for modern electrical networks.
• Evaluate and optimize mitigation techniques for harmonic disturbances, especially in systems with extensive inverter-based renewable penetration.
• Collaborate with academic and industry partners to improve power quality standards and grid stability in support of UK Net Zero targets.

By tackling these complex challenges, this research will make a vital contribution to the country’s energy transition—supporting cleaner electricity, safer infrastructure, and a stable power supply as the UK progresses toward its Net Zero ambitions.

How to apply:

For further information please contact: Dr M. Naveed Iqbal at naveed.iqbal@staffs.ac.uk

The applications should consist of a cover letter or personal statement of interest, and a CV.

Dr Muhammad Naveed Iqbal

Senior Lecturer

School of Digital, Technology, Innovation & Business

University of Staffordshire

College Road

Stoke-on-Trent

ST4 2DE

The expected start dates are January and April 2026.

Entry Requirements:

Applicants should have a First- or Upper Second-Class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in a relevant discipline Electrical or Electronic Engineering. An MSc with Distinction or Merit in a relevant subject is highly desirable. Knowledge or experience of power systems, signal processing & machine learning is advantageous.

The standard minimum IELTS Academic requirement is 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each band. Some International students are also required to meet UKVI requirements for the appropriate study visa. A valid ATAS certificate (where required) must be secured as a prerequisite to enrolment.