PhD Project: Microgrid Resilience

Overview

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham offers a PhD project focused on microgrid resilience under the supervision of Rasa Remenyte-Prescott and Marco Rivera. Renewable energy deployment helps mitigate greenhouse gas emissions as the UK works toward its net zero goal by 2050, and microgrids enable a reliable electricity supply by operating autonomously during upstream grid failures. This project centers on modelling a small-scale converter-dominated microgrid that integrates renewable generation, hybrid electrical storage, and hydrogen technologies. Photovoltaic generation, batteries, and supercapacitors provide energy generation, while a hydrogen electrolyser and a fuel cell allow active control of hydrogen production, storage, and reconversion. The research will propose microgrid resilience metrics and an analysis approach, evaluating how various disturbances and uncertainties affect the microgrid system's resistance, recovery, and restoration capabilities.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to UK, EU, and overseas students. Applicants must hold a first-class degree in engineering, mathematics, or a relevant discipline, preferably at the Master's level, though a 2:1 degree may be considered in exceptional circumstances. The starting date for the position is October 2027.

What you get

The position provides a full-time, fixed-term contract based on site with a salary of zero pounds per annum. Candidates can seek out funding sources through the institution's postgraduate funding portal.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is January 21, 2027, though the position remains open until filled.