Unlocking the hosting capacity of renewable energy in distribution power systems

1. Background to the Research

The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (RES) is a global imperative in the face of climate change. As renewable energy technologies, particularly solar photovoltaics and wind turbines, become more affordable and efficient, there is a growing push to integrate them into the existing power distribution systems. However, the inherently intermittent nature of these energy sources poses challenges in terms of voltage stability, power quality, and grid reliability. The concept of 'hosting capacity' in distribution systems defines the amount of RES that can be integrated without compromising the grid's operational limits or necessitating major infrastructural upgrades. Unlocking this capacity is essential to accelerating the adoption of renewables and realizing a sustainable energy future.

2. Broad Details of the Work

The successful PhD candidate will:• Analyse current distribution systems to understand their limits and the barriers to higher renewable integration.• Develop and validate computational models that accurately depict the impact of various RES on distribution systems.• Investigate the role of energy storage, demand-side management, and other grid support technologies in enhancing the hosting capacity.• Examine how existing regulations affect hosting capacity and propose changes that might create a more conducive environment for RES integration.• Undertake an economic analysis of increasing hosting capacity, considering the costs of infrastructure upgrades, potential savings, and the broader societal benefits.

3. Opportunities for Collaboration

There are significant opportunities for the successful candidate to collaborate with external stakeholders and industries:Distribution System Operators (DSOs): Direct engagement with DSOs will provide invaluable insights into real-world challenges and potential solutions.Renewable Energy Developers: Work with developers to understand the intricacies of RES deployment and their perspectives on hosting capacity constraints.Technology Providers: Collaborate with firms specializing in grid support technologies, like energy storage solutions or advanced inverters, to assess their role in enhancing hosting capacity.

4. Expected Prior Knowledge

The ideal candidate should possess:A master's degree in electrical engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a closely related field.A strong foundation in power system analysis, grid integration of renewables, and computational modelling.Familiarity with software tools such as MATLAB or any other power system simulation software.Basic understanding of economic analysis as it pertains to energy systems.Strong communication skills to effectively liaise with industry partners and stakeholders.This project promises to be at the forefront of renewable energy research, offering the PhD candidate a platform to contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future.

References:

Sherif M. Ismael, Shady H.E. Abdel Aleem, Almoataz Y. Abdelaziz, Ahmed F. Zobaa,State-of-the-art of hosting capacity in modern power systems with distributed generation,Renewable Energy,Volume 130,2019,Pages 1002-1020,ISSN 0960-1481,https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2018.07.008.(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960148118307936)

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the above PhD topic please follow the steps below:

1. Contact the supervisor by email or phone to discuss your interest and find out if you would be suitable. Supervisor details can be found on this topic page. The supervisor will guide you in developing the topic-specific research proposal, which will form part of your application.
2. Click on the 'Apply here' button on this page and you will be taken to the relevant PhD course page, where you can apply using an online application.
3. Complete the online application indicating your selected supervisor and include the research proposal for the topic you have selected.

Good luck!

This is a self funded topic

Brunel offers a number of funding options to research students that help cover the cost of their tuition fees, contribute to living expenses or both. See more information here: https://www.brunel.ac.uk/research/Research-degrees/Research-degree-funding. The UK Government is also offering Doctoral Student Loans for eligible students, and there is some funding available through the Research Councils. Many of our international students benefit from funding provided by their governments or employers. Brunel alumni enjoy tuition fee discounts of 15%.

Meet the Supervisor(s)

Ahmed Zobaa - Ahmed Faheem Zobaa is an experienced academic in Electrical Power Engineering, with degrees from Cairo University, the University of Exeter, and Brunel University London. His academic journey started at Cairo University, where he served in various roles including Instructor, Teaching Assistant, and Assistant Professor from 1992 to 2007. He then took on a role as a Senior Lecturer in renewable energy at the University of Exeter from 2007 to 2010, before moving to Brunel University London as a Senior Lecturer in power systems from 2010 to 2019. Currently, he is a Reader in electrical and power engineering and a member of the Brunel Interdisciplinary Power Systems Research Centre. His areas of expertise include power quality, renewable energy (including marine), smart grids, energy efficiency, lighting applications, and Education.