Improving Resilience and Situational Awareness in Interdependent Energy Networks during Adverse Events

The interdependence between energy networks such as electric power systems, natural gas networks, and heating systems has been increasing over the past years. This interdependence is expected to accelerate and become more complicated in the next two decades by the movement towards decarbonisation of energy networks. For instance, gas-fired generating units play a crucial role in providing operational flexibility for the integration of renewable energy resources such as wind and solar. Thus, adverse events in one system can easily spread to other systems and cause cascading failures. This highlights the pressing need for the development of mathematical models and co-simulation platforms with the ability to analyse and simulate the interdependence between energy networks. Moreover, there is a pressing need for development of new technologies with the ability to improve the situational awareness and resilience of interdependent energy networks during adverse events.<br /> <br /> The objective of this project is to develop mathematical tools and co-simulation platforms with the ability to analyse the resilience of interdependent energy networks to cascading failures during adverse events. Moreover, we will investigate advanced technologies for improving the situational awareness and resilience of interdependent energy networks during adverse events. Applicants with a strong track record in any of the following fields are encouraged to apply for this position:<br /> 1) Power systems modelling (solid background in power systems and experience in working with EMTP-RV, PSCAD, PowerFactory, OPAL-RT, and optimization tools such as GAMS-CPLEX is a plus).<br /> 2) modelling and simulation of energy systems including electricity networks, gas networks, and heating systems.<br /> 3) Modelling and simulation of communication networks (Experience in working with OMNeT++ or GNS3 is a plus)

<p>You can start your PhD from 1 August 2025 but you must be able to start by no later than 1 November 2025.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PHD Electronic & Electrical Engineering FT</strong></em> and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Improving Resilience and Situational Awareness in Interdependent Energy Networks during Adverse Events</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/electronic-engineering/staff/8781/dr-amir-abiri-jahromi">Dr Amir Abiri Jahromi</a> as your proposed supervisor. Please state in the Finance section that the funding source you are applying for is <em><strong>School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Studentship 2025/26.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis until 31 January 2025.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of 31 January 2025:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">A highly competitive School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering Studentship consisting of the award of fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) per year for 3.5 years.  Training and support is also provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the School Electronic & Electrical Engineering Studentship Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£320 in Session 2024/25), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Dr Amir Abiri Jahromi by email to <a href="mailto:a.abirijahromi@leeds.ac.uk">a.abirijahromi@leeds.ac.uk</a> or Professor Mohsen Razavi by email to <a href="mailto:a.abirijahromi@leeds.ac.uk">m.razavi@leeds.ac.uk</a></p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>