[School of Engineering PhD Scholarships] Protection-Compatible Fault Response Design for Grid-Forming Converters

About the project

About the Project This fully funded PhD studentship covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free annual stipend. Applications from both home and international candidates are welcome. As power systems move towards net zero, increasing amounts of electricity are being supplied by inverter-based resources (IBRs), such as wind and solar power. Grid-forming (GFM) converters are emerging as a key technology in this transition owing to their ability to operate stably in weak grids, provide synthetic inertia, and support system restoration following a blackout. However, unlike conventional synchronous generators, GFM converters have limited fault-current capability, and their behaviour during faults is determined largely by control design rather than electromagnetic physics. If not carefully designed, these fault responses can challenge existing protection systems, increasing the risk of protection maloperation and potentially compromising overall system security. This PhD project aims to develop the next generation of protection-compatible control strategies for grid-forming converters. The key objective is to understand what protection systems require from a GFM converter during fault conditions and to design converter control approaches that maintain dependable and secure protection performance. The project will investigate key protection functions and explore how converter fault responses can be shaped to support their operation. The research will combine theoretical analysis, electromagnetic transient simulation and real-time hardware-in-the-loop testing. Work will include the development of novel grid-forming converter control strategies to address key protection challenges, particularly in distance protection, using the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). The proposed control strategies will be validated through realistic hardware-in-the-loop testing with commercial protection relays. The outcomes are expected to advance understanding of protection-compatible converter control and support the reliable integration of grid-forming technologies into future low-carbon power systems. You will be based within the Power Systems Group at the University of Manchester, with full access to advanced research facilities, including the Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and hardware-in-the-loop testing platforms. Alongside your research, you will receive structured training in power system protection, converter control and advanced simulation techniques. You will also have opportunities to publish your work in leading international journals, present at major conferences, and engage with professional bodies such as IEEE, IET and CIGRE. We are interested in candidates with a background in electrical power engineering, power electronics, control systems or related disciplines. This project offers an opportunity to work at the interface of power system protection and converter control, contributing to the development of protection-compatible technologies for future low-carbon electricity networks. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Power Electronics, Control Engineering or a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Power Electronics, Control Engineering or a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent), with Master's degree desirable. Previous research experience in power systems, power electronics, control systems, electromagnetic transient simulation or power system protection is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, together with an interest in developing innovative solutions for future low-carbon electricity networks. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoE

Research areas