PhD: Sensors and Processing Systems for Intelligent Electric Actuators and Propulsion Drives

This PhD will focus on developing a rigorous understanding of the operation of state-of-the-art existing generators across a range of domains (mechanical, electrical and thermal).Adding “smart” functionality to these machines requires models that can inform control systems of the operating regime, predict lifetime and failures and adapt to changes in requirements in near real-time.The successful candidate will be involved in developing a series of these models based upon a combination of finite-element analysis and experimental testing.

This is an integral part of increasing the presence and impact of electrical technologies in civil airliners and will also result in:

• weight and/or volume reduction through performance optimisation

• reduced maintenance and through-life costs

• improved functionality (intelligent operation/actuation)

PhD Specific Aims/Objectives

The first part of this PhD will focus on ways of measuring machine quantities such as:

stator and rotor voltages and currents component temperatures whilst the machine is in operation, rotating at speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. Critically, rotor quantities will be observed or measured from stator operating parameters. The second aspect will look at ways in which the data that is being captured can be used to add intelligence to the controller associated with the machine in order to improve its operation and reliability in service and to assist system design optimisation.This will focus on developing a series of adaptable, lumped parameter, electro-thermo-mechanical models that can be implemented in a discrete form on a real-time architecture. Validation of the models will be performed using existing production hardware, modified and instrumented as necessary.

URL for further information:

(http://www.bris.ac.uk/engineering/research/em/)

Candidate Requirements

An essential requirement is a good undergraduate degree (1st, 2:1 or equivalent) in electrical/electro-mechanical/mechatronics engineering (or a closely related subject).

Experience of any/all of the following areas would be advantageous to the successful candidate:

• Electromagnetic finite element modelling and optimisation

• Mechanical design and build

• Understanding of heat transfer concepts

• Knowledge of relevant software environments (Inventor, MATLAB/Simulink, dSPACE, FEMM)

Scholarship Details

A tax free stipend of £14,296 p.a. plus an industrial top-up of £4,000 p.a.

Duration: 3.5 years

Informal enquiries

Please contact Dr Drury, [email protected] or phone 0117 9545390

For general enquiries, please email [email protected]

Application Details

To apply for this studentship submit a PhD application using our online application system [http://www.bristol.ac.uk/pg-howtoapply]

Please ensure that in the Funding section you tick “I would like to be considered for a funding award from the Electrical & Electronic Engineering Department” and specify the title of the scholarship in the “other” box below with the name of the supervisor Dr Drury.

Apply now: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/

Funding Notes

Scholarship Details

If awarded the University’s Doctoral Training Programme award combined with this project sponsorship will offer the successful candidate:

• full UK/EU PhD tuition fees (equivalent to £4,121 p.a.)

• a tax-free bursary of £14,296 p.a, and

• an industrial top-up of £4,000 p.a.

• internship

• a PhD that will be affiliated to the UK Centre for Power Electronics, facilitating exchange of ideas with the wider PhD and academic community.