Summer Project Scholarships for 2025-2026
Summer project scholarships for December 2025/January 2026 will be advertised here mid-2025. Please check back for updates.
Opportunities for Industry
Check out our opportunities for collaborative research with industry.
International Internships and Short Projects
Check out our opportunities for international student internships in Christchurch - 3 or 6 months, post- or undergraduate.
Postdoctoral Fellows based in Auckland or Christchurch
Current vacancies are advertised here:
- Research Engineer (equivalent to Postdoctoral level) based at EPECentre, University of Canterbury. Applications close 25 May 2025.
Learn more and apply
PhD or Masters Students Based in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington or Christchurch
- Check the available projects below and identify one (or more).
- Check the FAN Postgraduate generic position advert - common for all projects listed below.
- All New Zealand Universities have English requirements for postgraduate studies - please check their website:
- Please fill in this application online form as indicated in the generic advert. Applications by email will not be considered.
WS1-WS3-WS4 - PHD PROJECT 1 - Open
MODELLING CONVERTER INTERACTIONS FOR LARGE-SCALE AC/DC HYBRID INFRASTRUCTURE STUDIES
MODELLING CONVERTER INTERACTIONS FOR LARGE-SCALE AC/DC HYBRID INFRASTRUCTURE STUDIES
This project is focussed on Workstream 1, 3, and 4 to develop digital models encompassing larger-scale DC grids interface with AC grids, converter topology and control, and enable proliferation of DC grids within AC grids by addressing the need for transition.
The interaction between AC/DC converters and the power grid is a complex phenomenon, particularly in the harmonic levels. Harmonics, non-sinusoidal components of the power waveform, can significantly impact the performance and stability of both the grid and connected equipment. This PhD project aims to develop advanced models and methodologies for analysing harmonic levels and interactions in AC/DC converters, suitable for large-scale power system studies.
Objectives
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert):
Based at Victoria University of Wellington
Published September 2024
The interaction between AC/DC converters and the power grid is a complex phenomenon, particularly in the harmonic levels. Harmonics, non-sinusoidal components of the power waveform, can significantly impact the performance and stability of both the grid and connected equipment. This PhD project aims to develop advanced models and methodologies for analysing harmonic levels and interactions in AC/DC converters, suitable for large-scale power system studies.
Objectives
- Develop a comprehensive framework for modelling and analysing harmonic distortion in AC/DC converters, considering various factors such as converter topology, control strategies, and grid characteristics.
- Investigate the interactions between AC/DC converters and the power grid, focusing on harmonic propagation, resonance phenomena, and their impact on system stability.
- Develop novel modelling techniques such as frequency-lifted representations to analyse harmonic levels and interactions of AC/DC converters suitable for large-scale AC/DC power network studies.
- Validate the developed models and methodologies through simulations and experimental studies on representative AC/DC converter systems.
- Apply the proposed framework to large-scale power system studies, assessing the impact of harmonic distortion on system performance and identifying potential vulnerabilities.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert):
- A good background knowledge on power converter interactions, small-signal modelling, and power electronics is essential.
- Ability to work with simulation tools such as PSCAD and practical environments is also required.
Based at Victoria University of Wellington
Published September 2024
