Job Description

This post forms part of an EPSRC-funded research programme, EP/W02764X/1, Energy Storage Integration for a Net Zero Grid (ESI4NZ). The aim of the project is to determine how different distributed energy storage assets, of different sizes and technologies, can be integrated into the grid as part of a whole-system solution to enable adaptability, flexibility and resilience. The project will investigate where and how assets are connected to the grid, how they are controlled and what policies and market conditions are required to meet our storage requirements. The research will be carried out across five collaborating institutions (Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Sheffield Universities) with the work underpinned by experiments using operational grid-scale storage demonstrators operated within the consortium.

In collaboration with the researchers based in the partner institutions, the post holder will devise and evaluate a range of grid services using the RTDS and the storage assets within the consortium. Hardware-in-the-loop techniques will be used to incorporate the physical storage assets within the consortium into the RTDS real-time simulator, enabling grid wide interactions to be examined. As part of a previous research programme a virtual power-link has already been established between the RTDS simulator in Manchester and the energy storage systems in the partner institutions. Operating data from the storage systems will be augmented by smaller scale module or cell experiments using the battery test facilities to understand battery degradation patterns as necessary. And other storage technologies and assets will be modelled in the RTDS or using custom designed emulators. System-level control algorithms and coordination strategies will then be devised and demonstrated to exploit most effectively the power, energy, lifetime and response times of the different assets.

You will be based within the Energy and Power Division and will hold a PhD / EngD in electrical engineering or equivalent and must have excellent experimental and / or computer modelling / simulation skills, including experience of practical implementation / validation, especially in the area of electrical systems. You will work primarily in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, but will be expected to interact with colleagues from the universities of Birmingham, Newcastle, Oxford and Sheffield. You may also undertake short placement visits to partner universities to support the model development and experimental validation.

You will devise and program operating strategies for the grid-linked battery storage systems, undertake experimental testing, data collection and analysis. You will undertake cycling tests on individual battery cells and analysis of results. You will develop system models and grid wide operating strategies, which you will implement and assess using the RTDS simulator. You will write technical papers, present results at major conferences and undertake outreach activities.

As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration\'s (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI)

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working - you can find out more

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Prof Andrew Forsyth

Email:

General enquiries:

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Technical support:

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

University of Manchester