HDR Scholarship - Impact of inverter based resources on power grids

Location

Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus

Research topic

Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) such as wind, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are increasingly integrated into modern power grids. The impact of inverter based resources (IBRs) on the power grid is multifaceted, affecting stability, protection, power quality, and grid operations. The key impacts of IBRs include voltage stability, inertia loss and frequency stability, reduced system strength, fault current reduction, instability during grid disturbances. While IBRs offer the promise of cleaner, more sustainable energy, their integration into the grid requires careful management and innovative solutions to maintain grid reliability and performance. To ensure stable grid operation, modern grids with high IBR penetration require innovative control techniques, new protection systems, and enhanced grid-forming capabilities to strengthen the system.

This project will investigate the impacts of large-scale integration of renewable and distributed energy resources (DER) into the power grid, focusing on the critical interactions between inverter-based sources and power grid. The study will provide important insights into how IBRs, such as solar photovoltaic (PV), wind turbines, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), interact with traditional grid infrastructure, particularly in systems where conventional synchronous generation is being displaced.

The project is supported by industry partner Akaysha Energy

Project aim

The aims and objectives of this research project include:

Impact assessment of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) on voltage stability, inertia loss and frequency stability, system strength and power quality of power grids with large scale renewables.
Modelling and assessment of system strength in grids with high IBR penetration and grid-forming inverter presence. Conduct resilience studies to assess the ability of the grid to withstand and recover from disturbances such as large generation losses, renewable intermittency, and grid outages. Study how GFIs enhance grid resilience through black-start capabilities and autonomous voltage and frequency regulation. In scenarios where synchronous generators and GFIs coexist, assess how GFIs complement synchronous machines in stabilizing frequency and voltage during disturbances.
Develop energy management strategies for BESS to ensure efficient utilization and support during grid events to investigate the effects of BESS charge and discharge cycles on system strength and grid support during both normal and abnormal grid conditions.
Development of advanced control strategies for grid forming inverter with battery energy storage to provide ancillary services (autonomous voltage and frequency regulation, synthetic inertia, black start capability) to enhance system stability, energy efficiency and resiliency of power grid.

Important dates

Applications close 5pm, Saturday 5 October 2024

Benefits

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

Stipend of $34,400 per annum tax exempt (2024 rate)
Top-up stipend of $10,000 per annum tax exempt
Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
International students only: Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must:

be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include research experience in:

renewable energy, battery energy storage and their grid integration
power electronic converters, grid forming inverter and associated control
Matlab/Simscape, PSCAD, Python

How to apply

Please email a CV and cover letter to A/Prof Md Enamul Haque. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.