PhD Studentship: Flexible medium voltage DC electric railway systems

The aim of this PhD programme is to investigate the next generation railway electrification systems, DC power electronic traction transformers and technologies for integrating renewable sources, to challenge the traditional rail approach to develop innovative and breakthrough technological concepts.

The key objectives of the project are:

• To introduce new high-efficiency topologies of power conversion systems to convert medium-voltage AC power into medium-voltage DC power with the capability of limiting the short-circuit current.
• To investigate the impact of the forthcoming wide band-gap semiconductor devices in terms of efficiency and voltage level for the converters of the feeder stations and in terms of weight and volume for the traction converters.
• To understand how the new railway electrification system should be controlled and protected when renewable power sources are integrated.
• To work with industrial stakeholders to investigate the marketability of the new electrification system and trains.

Funding Notes

A scholarship covering tuition fees at UK/EU rate and a stipend will be provided for 3 years. Non EU candidate are eligible for the scholarship, but they have to secure additional funding to cover the difference in tuition fees between UK/EU and international students.