Engineering

PhD Studentship: Alternate power converter topologies for e-mobility.

Supervisors: Dr Tabish Nazir Mir and Prof. Pat Wheeler

Matrix Converter Based Grid Interface for Rail and Electric Vehicle Applications.

Background: One of the many challenges in transport electrification is the inadequacy of existing infrastructure to meet the rapidly changing needs of electric transport. Next generation power converters for e-mobility are expected to have features such as high power-density, grid compliant power quality and bi-directional power flow for vehicle to grid support. As means of achieving these features in a single converter unit, this PhD studentship will be based on isolated matrix converter variants for electric vehicle (EV) charging applications. The successful candidate will design a prototype and develop control algorithms for a generic multi-functional charging system that can be plugged into AC or DC power supplies.  As part of its multi-functionality, the same system will simultaneously be explored as an unbalance compensator for single-phase high speed AC railway systems.

Applications for this PhD position are invited at the Power Electronics and Machines Centre, University of Nottingham. Based in a recently built £18M facility at Jubilee Campus, the Power Electronics, Machines and Control (PEMC) Research Group is globally renowned and one of the leading in its field. 

Entry Requirements: For this position, we are actively looking for candidates with 

• A first-class undergraduate degree in Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering.
• A master’s degree in electrical engineering (particularly power electronics) is desirable.
• Knowledge of simulation platforms like Matlab Simulink/PLECs.
• Coding and hardware skills are desirable. 
• Strong analytical/mathematical skills.
• Passion for research and willingness to learn.
• Good presentation/communication and writing skills. 

Application details: To apply for this PhD position, please email the following documents to Tabish.mir@nottingham.ac.uk 

• Cover letter outlining your motivation behind applying for this project. 
• Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your academic background, research experience, and relevant skills.
• Academic transcripts of your qualifying degrees.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, and the successful candidate will be required to make a formal online application through the University portal.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Tabish Mir (Tabish.mir@nottingham.ac.uk) We look forward to hearing from you. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners.