With the increasing penetration of Distributed Energy Recourses (DERs, including distributed generation, flexible loads and energy storage), Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) are under considerable pressure to provide infrastructure investment in order to manage network constraints. At the same time, the decreasing energy exchange between load demand and energy suppliers will reduce their revenue.
To address these challenges, the proposed research will investigate a radical, fully decentralised system of electricity distribution that uses a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) approach. This uses coordinated but decentralised control to maximise energy balance and power balance at distribution level. The proposed approach will bring the end users and DNOs into the heart of power system operation and provide effective technical and market integration of all end-use technologies within the network. It will provide the accessibility and flexibility to incorporate future technological innovations, facilitate effective and efficient data management and communication, and provide new market arrangements and business models for DNOs. Especially, alternative business models will be investigated for inter/intra Microgrids and CELLs. P2P approaches and associated information and communication technologies (ICT) will be investigated and developed for active electricity network management and demand response.
The proposed research will build upon the extensive experience of Toshiba in ICT and business models as well as the experience of Cardiff on Smart Grids. Industrial supervision will be provided by Toshiba Research Europe Limited in Bristol where the student will also spend their industrial placement with during the course of the project.
Eligibility
First class degree or a good 2.1 and/or an appropriate Masterâs level qualification (or their equivalent) in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).
Open to Home, EU or Overseas candidates.
Funding
Tuition fees at the Home fee rate and an enhanced stipend (£13,726 plus at least £1,000 in 2013/14).
Please note that overseas candidates will be required to fund the balance of fees at the overseas fee rate themselves.
Application Deadline 31st August 2013
About Cardiff University
The University is a member of the Russell Group and internationally recognised as one of Britainâs leading universities.
Our University Graduate College enhances the postgraduate experience by providing an extensive training and support programme.
Our Graduate Centre provides a wide range of study and social services dedicated exclusively to our postgraduates.
The University is attractively located at the heart of a modern capital city, providing a high quality of life to our students.
About the School of Engineering
The Cardiff School of Engineering is an integrated school that covers the major core engineering disciplines, allowing for an exciting, interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research. Its vibrant research-led culture attracts more than 300 postgraduate students. It is rated as one of the top ten engineering schools in the UK in independent assessments.
The School has a strong tradition of industrial collaboration, working closely with industry in collaborative research and with many of the academic staff having spent time employed. Our graduates are sought after by many major global employers such as Halcrow, Atkins, Laing OâRourke, RWE npower, BP, National Grid, General Dynamics, Tata Steel, Mott MacDonald, Ford, Arup, AT&T, Hewlett Packard, Bosch and Daimler Benz.
To apply click on the âApplyâ button below.