PhD Research Scholarship-Electromagnetic Interference Analysis

School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering

PhD Research Scholarship Electromagnetic Interference Analysis

Job No: 502954

It is an exciting time to get involved with the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, located on UQ's St. Lucia campus.  The School is ramping up its investment in teaching, research and engagement to create an inspiring, diverse and flexible workplace. The direction is backed by a bold, new strategic vision to ensure the School is at the forefront of meaningful research outcomes and pedagogy across its core impact areas of health, data, automation and energy. Boasting strong student enrolments in professionally accredited programs, combined with world-class researchers and facilities, the School is focused on strengthening its position in the global computer science and engineering communities. By attracting the brightest minds and fostering a truly innovative and collaborative work environment, the School will develop global solutions to contemporary issues and mentor the leaders of tomorrow.  

Details of the School may be accessed on its website at http://www.itee.uq.edu.au/ 

The role

Pulse width modulation (PWM) is a strategy which is used to control magnitude and/or frequency of output voltage in power electronic converters. It varies duty cycle of the converter switches at a switching frequency to achieve desired voltage and/or current waveform with minimum harmonics and ripples. Fast switching transients (which produce high dv/dt and di/dt) generated by power converters interact with parasitic capacitive and inductive couplings in different parts of power converters - including heatsink, cables, and electric motors. These can cause many unwanted problems such as: grounding and leakage currents, shaft voltage and resultant bearing currents, conductive and radiated Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and over voltages. Current and voltage harmonics at different frequency ranges are generated by Power Electronics systems both at load and grid sides which need to be suppressed by proper active and passive methods.

The Aim:

The main objective of this project are to model a three-phase diode rectifier in Simplorer with a DC choke inductor in Maxwell (3-D model in ANSYS) and analyse saturation effects under different load conditions. A correlation between high frequency noise source and high frequency model of an AC motor will be investigated based on 2-D model of an AC motor using Maxwell simulation (ANSYS). It is expected that the research team will build a prototype and perform some tests and measurements to compare with simulation results.

The person

Applicants should have a Master degree in Electrical Engineering, with a very strong knowledge in Power Electronics. The candidate is also required to meet the minimum requirements for entry into the PhD program. The research group is very dynamic and fast moving and hence it is crucial that any candidate is a team player with an independent and professional work ethic. The candidate must be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language ability. At least a 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-band of the IELTS or equivalent test is required.

Candidates will also need to be aware of and comply with legislation and University policy relevant to the duties undertaken, including:

• the University’s Code of Conduct ;
• requirements of the Queensland occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislation and related OH&S responsibilities and procedures developed by the University or Institute/School ;
• the adoption sustainable work practices and compliance with associated legislation and related University sustainability responsibilities and procedures ;
• requirements of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, the National Code 2007 and associated legislation

Remuneration

Tax-free stipends of $27,000p.a are available for 3 years, with the possibility of extending for a fourth year.

Enquiries

To discuss this role please email Professor Firuz Zare, f.zare@uq.edu.au 

Applications

• To submit an application for this role, please complete an applicaiton to the PhD program online here: https://apply.uq.edu.au/ Please list Prof. Firzue Zare as the supervisor and list the PhD project you wish to complete as the Scholarship being applied for. All applications will be required to supply the following documents:
• A cover letter that addresses how you meet the requirements of the PhD program and addressing the desired skills and attributes;
• A curriculum vitae detailing education, professional experience, research experience, publications, and relevant competencies;
• Academic transcript for all post-secondary study undertaken, complete, or incomplete, including the institution grading scale;
• Award certificates for all completed post-secondary study
• Evidence for meeting  UQ’s English language proficiency requirements; and the name and contact details of three referees who can best comment on your prior research experience. UQ will contact your referees directly, but you will need to enter their details into the application form.

Reference: 502954