Job Description

A Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available for an outstanding and ambitious electrical power engineer in the field of modelling and control of power electronic converters in power systems specifically voltage sourced converter based HVDC. The work will involve developing and analysing models of VSC-HVDC, their associated controls, and network connection, in PSCAD and Matlab/SIMULINK. The research is part of a project to investigate future network performance funded by National Grid Electricity Transmission through the Network Innovation Allowance.


You should have a PhD or equivalent in power engineering as well as demonstrable experience in modelling of power electronics at a distribution or transmission system level and control of electrical systems. Experience working with PSCAD/EMTDC is desirable but not essential (training will be provided). You should be capable of working under your own initiative and communicating effectively with a research team, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required.


The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The School is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science and engineering. Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more from the university website.

BACKGROUND

The Power & Energy research theme at the University of Manchester comprises more than 30 academic staff and a large team of over 100 research staff and PhD students. The team's research activities range from the design of power electronic circuits to the analysis and control of complete energy conversion systems and utility networks. Applications of particular interest include the active management of power networks including smart grids, Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS), integration of HVDC into power networks, renewable power generation (especially wind), as well as more-electric aircraft and ships. As such, The University of Manchester offers one of the strongest research environments within any UK university for undertaking electrical power research.


With 86 academic staff, the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is one of the largest of its type in the country and has about 850 undergraduate, 350 MSc students, and 380 postdoctoral researchers and PhD students. The current research portfolio of the department is 45 million, covering all areas of electrical and electronic engineering

Overall Purpose of the Job

This research role is part of a project to investigate the operation of voltage sourced converter high voltage DC transmission (VSC-HVDC) within future power networks and is funded by National Grid Electricity Transmission through the National Innovation Allowance.


VSC-HVDC systems have a key role to play in the future electrical power system, as the leading technology of choice for interconnections to other countries, links to offshore wind farms, new embedded transmission links within the UK, and the start of multi-terminal systems expected in the future. As the role of VSC-HVDC evolves, so too will the control requirements of the converters themselves.


Future system modelling by UK utilities has identified the need for improved converter models, at a time when evolving network requirements like the UK Holistic Network Design are providing new performance challenges to power electronics interfaced components. A better understanding is needed of applied VSC-HVDC modelling particularly around VSC-HVDC controls as they evolve alongside generic models which can be edited during analysis to avoid intractable modelling situations. This project compliments the network modelling work undertaken in TOTEM and TOTEM2 projects by looking forward to what future inverter modelling requirements may be needed as controls evolve, and as converters need to operate in close proximity to each other. The project will investigate how this may be included in typical converter modelling.


This project will investigate the modelling of the VSC-HVDC system and its control, considering both detailed PSCAD/EMTDC and more simplified models. It will investigate proposed control schemes for present and future systems, and the impact future network designs may have on the models and control.


The PDRA will work under the direct supervision of Prof. Barnes and Dr Preece. The wider supervisory team also includes Prof. Milanovic and Dr. Ognjen Marjanovic, along with representatives from industry.


As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration's (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI.

What you will get in return:

Fantastic market leading Pension scheme Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays Additional paid closure over the Christmas period Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.


Our University is positive about flexible working you can find out more here


Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.


Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.


Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.


Any CV's submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof Mike Barnes


Email: mike.barnes@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.