Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 February 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
About the research project
The rapid expansion of renewable energy technologies is critical for delivering clean energy to non-electrified regions and offshore applications. Conventional unidirectional and bidirectional power converters are widely used to integrate photovoltaic (PV) systems and batteries, ensuring a stable power supply. While these architectures offer implementation simplicity and enhanced control flexibility, they often result in high costs and low power density. Three-port power converters, incorporating at least one bidirectional port, present an optimal solution to these challenges. However, designing such converters with effective voltage control, power management for each port, high efficiency, and low cost while maintaining system reliability remains a significant engineering challenge.
This project aims to design and develop novel three-port power converter and control strategies that maximize efficiency, power density, and cost-effectiveness. The research will encompass theoretical derivation, modelling, simulation, prototype development, and experimental validation to demonstrate the proposed solution's performance and commercial viability.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- A strong background and interest in power electronics
- Keen to work on circuit design, semiconductor modelling, and power electronic devices including SiC and GaN
- Experience with PCB design and firmware development for MCUs
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Candidates with industry experience in the field are encouraged to apply
- Motivated to learn and have a scientific mindset and team spirit
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Waqas Hassan to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 February 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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