Predictive and optimization-based control of smart grids: theory and algorithms

University of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Updated: 14 days ago

Location: Sheffield, ENGLAND

School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

PhD Research Project Self Funded

Dr P Trodden

Application Deadline: Applications accepted all year round

Details

Model predictive control (MPC) has long been identified as a leading candidate technique for control in future power networks and smart grids, because of its ability to handle constraints and optimize the performance or economy of the system. One of the main barriers to adoption of MPC for power system control (and, indeed, large-scale systems in general) is its inherently centralized nature, which is at odds with the structure of modern power systems as networks of decentralized, interconnected and interacting systems. A logical solution to this is the use of distributed or decentralized forms of MPC (in which several MPC controllers are spread throughout the network and make control decisions independently) but this raises its own questions and challenges: where should the MPC controllers be deployed and what plants, subsystems or devices should they control? What models and information should they employ to make decisions? How can system-wide stability be guaranteed?

This project will focus on developing theory and algorithms for MPC applied to the smart grid. The emphasis is on developing implementable (low-complexity) controllers with strong theoretical properties (guarantees of stability, constraint satisfaction).

Full details of how to apply can be found at the following link:

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/acse/research-degrees/applyphd

Applicants can apply for a Scholarship from the University of Sheffield but should note that competition for these Scholarships is highly competitive: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/phd/scholarships

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded research project.
We require applicants to have either an undergraduate honours degree (1st) or MSc (Merit or Distinction) in a relevant science or engineering subject from a reputable institution.
Prospective candidates for this project should have an excellent first degree (I or II.i) and/or Masters degree in a mathematical or engineering-related subject. A background in control/systems theory and convex optimization is desirable. Please note that the project will involve model predictive control or (exact/classical) optimization techniques applied to smart grids, and not metaheuristic, rule-based or fuzzy methods.

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