Reach Out to Us
2021 Summer Projects
The FAN team are looking for enthusiastic students to join us for this summer - working on a range of exciting projects at the Universities of Canterbury and Waikato, and at Victoria University of Wellington
Click here for more details
Research Team members
We are recruiting. Check this page for upcoming vacancies!
We are recruiting. Check this page for upcoming vacancies!
New PhD opportunity
The FAN Workstream 3 team are looking for an enthusiastic postgraduate to join us for an exciting new PhD project!
You can find more information here
New PhD opportunity
The FAN Workstream 2 team are looking for an enthusiastic postgraduate to join us for an exciting new PhD project!
You can find more information here
New Masters opportunities
The FAN team are looking for enthusiastic postgraduates to join us for three Masters' projects.
Check them out here
Postdoctoral fellows based either in Auckland or Christchurch
- Based at the University of Canterbury - Vacancy closed (16 May 2021)
- Based at the University of Auckland: coming soon
PhD or Masters students based either 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:
- From 21 May 2021, applications by email will not be considered anymore. Please fill in this application online form as indicated in the generic advert.
WS1 - PHD PROJECT 1
UNDERSTANDING AND MODELLING LOW FREQUENCY DYNAMICS IN A HYBRID AC/DC GRID
UNDERSTANDING AND MODELLING LOW FREQUENCY DYNAMICS IN A HYBRID AC/DC GRID
Published April 2021
This project is focussed on WS1 (Network Architecture), which assesses the impact of integrating more DC power transmission and distribution into our existing ac supply systems, and develop techniques to create large-scale hybrid AC/DC grid digital model.
The interaction between the converter interfaced technologies and the a.c. network is governed by a complex relationship between the relative strength of the AC network(s), interconnection between the converters both on the AC and DC side, circuit impedance, energy storage and control. The aim of this project is to characterize low frequency dynamics such as voltage stability, electro-mechanical interactions, control and load dynamics. This will lead to the development of a control structure that manages the coupling such that AC/DC systems remain stable over a wide range of operating conditions.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good knowledge on applicable mathematical analysis methods
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
This project is focussed on WS1 (Network Architecture), which assesses the impact of integrating more DC power transmission and distribution into our existing ac supply systems, and develop techniques to create large-scale hybrid AC/DC grid digital model.
The interaction between the converter interfaced technologies and the a.c. network is governed by a complex relationship between the relative strength of the AC network(s), interconnection between the converters both on the AC and DC side, circuit impedance, energy storage and control. The aim of this project is to characterize low frequency dynamics such as voltage stability, electro-mechanical interactions, control and load dynamics. This will lead to the development of a control structure that manages the coupling such that AC/DC systems remain stable over a wide range of operating conditions.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good knowledge on applicable mathematical analysis methods
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
WS1 - PhD project 2
Optimum mathematical & computation techniques to enable hybrid network power-flow analysis
Optimum mathematical & computation techniques to enable hybrid network power-flow analysis
Published April 2021
This project is focussed on WS1 (Network Architecture), which will assess the impact of high penetration of DC on AC systems. The overall WS1 objective is to develop techniques to create large-scale hybrid AC/DC grid digital model encompassing transmission and distribution systems and enabling operational steady-state, dynamic and transient studies associated with distributed converter interfaced technologies.
This PhD project will build the foundation for hybrid AC/DC network analysis by developing a power-flow analysis tool. This tool will address high penetration of DC and converter interfaced technologies within AC systems. This will involve an approximation of converter and its control to enable large scale hybrid modelling. The approximation will mimic the behaviour of the converter and interaction with the system accurately.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good knowledge on applicable mathematical analysis methods
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
This project is focussed on WS1 (Network Architecture), which will assess the impact of high penetration of DC on AC systems. The overall WS1 objective is to develop techniques to create large-scale hybrid AC/DC grid digital model encompassing transmission and distribution systems and enabling operational steady-state, dynamic and transient studies associated with distributed converter interfaced technologies.
This PhD project will build the foundation for hybrid AC/DC network analysis by developing a power-flow analysis tool. This tool will address high penetration of DC and converter interfaced technologies within AC systems. This will involve an approximation of converter and its control to enable large scale hybrid modelling. The approximation will mimic the behaviour of the converter and interaction with the system accurately.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good knowledge on applicable mathematical analysis methods
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
WS2 - PHD PROJECT 1
DESIGN OPTIONS FOR FUTURE HYBRID LOW VOLTAGE AC-DC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
DESIGN OPTIONS FOR FUTURE HYBRID LOW VOLTAGE AC-DC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Published May 2021
This project is focussed around WS 2-Topology, where AC topologies means the way things are connected to form a functional circuit, presently used worldwide have been developed and refined over many years. The overall WS2 objective is to explore realistic new DC and AC/DC circuit topologies for future power system networks.
As the number of DC loads, e.g. datacentres, smart phones, laptops, LED lights etc., are growing in our daily uses, the low voltage DC (LVDC) distribution system is becoming important. Power supplied through the low voltage AC (LVAC) distribution system needs both the AC/DC rectifier and the DC/DC converter to supply the DC loads. In comparison, LVDC system would only need the DC/DC converter to supply the DC loads. Integration of renewable energy sources at LV level, like rooftop photovoltaic (PV), fuel cells, etc. would be relatively easier with the LVDC system than the LVAC. So, the LVDC can be the viable solution to reduce multiple conversion losses in the system.
This project will investigate comparison between the existing LVAC architecture with the prospective LVDC distribution system in terms of converter conversion efficiency. Simulation will be performed for combined AC and DC loads, towards a hybrid AC-DC distribution system, with potential dedicated DC bus. The associated challenges, architecture design, implementation issues and design guidelines would be analytically investigated, along with experimental validation.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert):
Based at University of Auckland
This project is focussed around WS 2-Topology, where AC topologies means the way things are connected to form a functional circuit, presently used worldwide have been developed and refined over many years. The overall WS2 objective is to explore realistic new DC and AC/DC circuit topologies for future power system networks.
As the number of DC loads, e.g. datacentres, smart phones, laptops, LED lights etc., are growing in our daily uses, the low voltage DC (LVDC) distribution system is becoming important. Power supplied through the low voltage AC (LVAC) distribution system needs both the AC/DC rectifier and the DC/DC converter to supply the DC loads. In comparison, LVDC system would only need the DC/DC converter to supply the DC loads. Integration of renewable energy sources at LV level, like rooftop photovoltaic (PV), fuel cells, etc. would be relatively easier with the LVDC system than the LVAC. So, the LVDC can be the viable solution to reduce multiple conversion losses in the system.
This project will investigate comparison between the existing LVAC architecture with the prospective LVDC distribution system in terms of converter conversion efficiency. Simulation will be performed for combined AC and DC loads, towards a hybrid AC-DC distribution system, with potential dedicated DC bus. The associated challenges, architecture design, implementation issues and design guidelines would be analytically investigated, along with experimental validation.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert):
- Qualifications and experience required a four year honours degree (if from New Zealand) or Master’s degree (if international) - with first class or an upper-second) in electrical engineering with a minimum GPA of 6.0
- A track record or deep interest in building and assessing high current, DC-DC and AC-DC converters will be preferable.
Based at University of Auckland
WS2 (& WS4) - Masters project 1
Investigation of a hybrid three terminal scheme – a VSC tap in Canterbury on the NZ HVDC link
Investigation of a hybrid three terminal scheme – a VSC tap in Canterbury on the NZ HVDC link
Published April 2021
This project is focussed on WS2 (Topology) and WS4 (Transition from AC to DC), which will assess circuit topologies and extension to the application of existing infrastructure respectively.
A 1400MW Line Commutated Converter (LCC) HVDC Bipole link connects the North and South Island transmission networks. The power transfer is limited to 1000MW in balanced bipole mode by the Pole 2 cable capacity and 1200MW in unbalanced bipole mode. In addition to the priority activity of HVDC capability upgrade, amongst other solutions the Transpower’s 2018 Transmission Planning Report considers an HVDC tap-off from the existing HVDC line north of Christchurch to meet the forecast upper South Island loads beyond the planning horizon (2033).
Through simulation studies this Masters research project will assess the possibility of a Voltage Sourced Converter technology based tap on the existing LCC HVDC scheme. The research will address the operational challenges of such a topology in the New Zealand context and propose a circuit solution including special control and protection functions to ensure stable operation of such a topology.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): none
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
This project is focussed on WS2 (Topology) and WS4 (Transition from AC to DC), which will assess circuit topologies and extension to the application of existing infrastructure respectively.
A 1400MW Line Commutated Converter (LCC) HVDC Bipole link connects the North and South Island transmission networks. The power transfer is limited to 1000MW in balanced bipole mode by the Pole 2 cable capacity and 1200MW in unbalanced bipole mode. In addition to the priority activity of HVDC capability upgrade, amongst other solutions the Transpower’s 2018 Transmission Planning Report considers an HVDC tap-off from the existing HVDC line north of Christchurch to meet the forecast upper South Island loads beyond the planning horizon (2033).
Through simulation studies this Masters research project will assess the possibility of a Voltage Sourced Converter technology based tap on the existing LCC HVDC scheme. The research will address the operational challenges of such a topology in the New Zealand context and propose a circuit solution including special control and protection functions to ensure stable operation of such a topology.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): none
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
WS3 - PhD project 1
Control Strategies and Stabilization Techniques for Converter
Control Strategies and Stabilization Techniques for Converter
Published April 2021
This project is focussed on WS3 (Converters & Enabling Technologies), which will enable proliferation of DC grids within AC grids by addressing technologies and control mechanisms for different forms of power electronic converters.
This PhD project will focus on developing control strategies and stabilization techniques for converter to regulate the point of load to enhance the stability margin. Tight regulation of converter tends to produce negative impedances which will create oscillation with lightly damped power supply input filters. This is due the negative impedance characteristics are within the bandwidth of their control loops. As a result, it will reduce the effectiveness of the damping and it may lead to instability of the system. Thus, the main objective of the research is to determine the minor loop gain that will ensure the system stability.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good knowledge on applicable mathematical analysis methods
Based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
This project is focussed on WS3 (Converters & Enabling Technologies), which will enable proliferation of DC grids within AC grids by addressing technologies and control mechanisms for different forms of power electronic converters.
This PhD project will focus on developing control strategies and stabilization techniques for converter to regulate the point of load to enhance the stability margin. Tight regulation of converter tends to produce negative impedances which will create oscillation with lightly damped power supply input filters. This is due the negative impedance characteristics are within the bandwidth of their control loops. As a result, it will reduce the effectiveness of the damping and it may lead to instability of the system. Thus, the main objective of the research is to determine the minor loop gain that will ensure the system stability.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good knowledge on applicable mathematical analysis methods
Based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
WS3 - PHD PROJECT 2
High Current DC-Circuit Breaker based on Supercapacitors for Low Voltage DC Distribution Systems
High Current DC-Circuit Breaker based on Supercapacitors for Low Voltage DC Distribution Systems
Published June 2021
This project is focussed on WS3 (Converters & Enabling Technologies), which will enable proliferation of DC grids within AC grids by addressing the need for DC protection systems for low voltage DC (LVDC) distribution systems and associated power converters.
This project is expected to investigate the suitability of symmetrical electrical double layer capacitors (EDLC) for high current LVDC circuit breakers. Current versions of DC circuit breakers are mere adaptations of AC circuit breakers with arc-chambers, which are designed to make use of the two zero crossings of a power frequency AC cycle.
Supercapacitors (SC) are capable of handling high charging and discharging currents due to their low equivalent series resistance, a property useful in diverting a high amplitude DC current in an LVDC loop. However, this comes with the challenge that SCs come with low voltage DC ratings which bars them placing directly across the two contacts of a circuit breaker under open loop conditions.
Supercapacitor assisted surge absorber (SCASA), based on the supercapacitor assisted loss management (SCALoM) concept has demonstrated how to tackle the low voltage DC rating of a SC, while safely-absorbing the energy of short term transient voltage in the order of several kilovolts. Main objective is to investigate a conjugate circuit approach to SCASA, to safely divert the inductive energy of a kilo-amperes order DC current, developing and building progressive prototypes.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good background knowledge on analogue circuit theory with power electronic circuit design, prototyping and debugging is essential. Ability to work with circuit simulation tools based on SPICE is also required.
Based at University of Waikato (Hamilton)
This project is focussed on WS3 (Converters & Enabling Technologies), which will enable proliferation of DC grids within AC grids by addressing the need for DC protection systems for low voltage DC (LVDC) distribution systems and associated power converters.
This project is expected to investigate the suitability of symmetrical electrical double layer capacitors (EDLC) for high current LVDC circuit breakers. Current versions of DC circuit breakers are mere adaptations of AC circuit breakers with arc-chambers, which are designed to make use of the two zero crossings of a power frequency AC cycle.
Supercapacitors (SC) are capable of handling high charging and discharging currents due to their low equivalent series resistance, a property useful in diverting a high amplitude DC current in an LVDC loop. However, this comes with the challenge that SCs come with low voltage DC ratings which bars them placing directly across the two contacts of a circuit breaker under open loop conditions.
Supercapacitor assisted surge absorber (SCASA), based on the supercapacitor assisted loss management (SCALoM) concept has demonstrated how to tackle the low voltage DC rating of a SC, while safely-absorbing the energy of short term transient voltage in the order of several kilovolts. Main objective is to investigate a conjugate circuit approach to SCASA, to safely divert the inductive energy of a kilo-amperes order DC current, developing and building progressive prototypes.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): A good background knowledge on analogue circuit theory with power electronic circuit design, prototyping and debugging is essential. Ability to work with circuit simulation tools based on SPICE is also required.
Based at University of Waikato (Hamilton)
WS4 - Masters project 1
Potential of Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) in New Zealand – A transitional Analysis
Potential of Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) in New Zealand – A transitional Analysis
Published May 2021
This project focuses on WS4 (Transition from AC to DC) but also inputs to WS2 (Topology).
Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) distribution is a next generation technology that promises to be cost effective and efficient as most loads utilise LVDC. This project will investigate different options and stages for optimal transition to LVDC distribution system from the present LVAC system. Through simulation studies (and consultation with industry partners), this project will address the following questions:
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): none
Based at Victoria University of Wellington
This project focuses on WS4 (Transition from AC to DC) but also inputs to WS2 (Topology).
Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC) distribution is a next generation technology that promises to be cost effective and efficient as most loads utilise LVDC. This project will investigate different options and stages for optimal transition to LVDC distribution system from the present LVAC system. Through simulation studies (and consultation with industry partners), this project will address the following questions:
- What is the present experience in implementing LVDC distribution systems in the world?
- What are the benefits/challenges of moving the present LVAC system to LVDC?
- How can we transition from the current situation to LVDC in the future?
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): none
Based at Victoria University of Wellington
WS4 - MASTERS PROJECT 2
Conversion of overhead AC Lines to DC – A New Zealand Perspective
Conversion of overhead AC Lines to DC – A New Zealand Perspective
Published June 2021
This project focuses on WS4 (Transition from AC to DC).
As part of the transition from an AC transmission and distribution grid to a DC grid it is likely that existing overhead AC lines will need to be repurposed to DC. This conversion process includes several aspects that are new to many utilities, such as DC insulator dimensioning, as well as DC corona and field effects. Through simulation studies and experimental work, this Masters research project will determine the possibilities and constraints of AC to DC overhead line conversion with respect to the New Zealand context.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): none
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
This project focuses on WS4 (Transition from AC to DC).
As part of the transition from an AC transmission and distribution grid to a DC grid it is likely that existing overhead AC lines will need to be repurposed to DC. This conversion process includes several aspects that are new to many utilities, such as DC insulator dimensioning, as well as DC corona and field effects. Through simulation studies and experimental work, this Masters research project will determine the possibilities and constraints of AC to DC overhead line conversion with respect to the New Zealand context.
Specific requirement (in addition to the generic qualifications listed in the FAN Postgrad generic positions Advert): none
Based at University of Canterbury (Christchurch)
