PhD studentship: Powering the Future of Sustainable Grids Through Multiport Home Energy Management (ENG320)

This exciting opportunity is based within the Power Electronics and Machines Control Research Institute at Faculty of Engineering which conducts cutting edge research into power electronics for energy management and decarbonization.

Vision

We are seeking a PhD student that is motivated and passionate about the design and control of power electronics technologies that make real-world impact. Together we will make technological advances that bring compact, reliable and economical energy management into our homes.

Motivation 

The UK is charging full speed ahead towards its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, and with over 10 million electric vehicles (EVs) projected to hit the roads, we are facing an electrifying challenge: how do we power all these cars sustainably and without overloading our energy grid?  The answer lies in renewable assisted home Energy Management Systems (EMS) that seamlessly integrate solar power, EVs and the single-phase mains. By dynamically managing energy flow, a home EMS ensures that solar power is preferentially used to charge vehicles and support the grid, or that energy is returned from the vehicle back to the mains when necessary. It is a vision of smart, circular energy use, but there is a catch; existing EMS solutions are often hindered by high costs, inefficiencies, and complex, bulky components due to multi-stage power conversion and DC link coupling. This PhD project focuses on the development of next-generation high power density EMS, to unlock a more compact and efficient energy ecosystem, where EVs do not just consume power, they help drive the future of energy for homes in the UK.

Aim

You will have the opportunity develop an innovative EMS design solves existing challenges. This new architecture will reduce costs, minimise physical footprint, and make it easier to comply with safety standards. High power density design of the EMS will also involve solving design and control challenges around electro-magnetic interference, thermal management, active power pulsations and magnetics optimisation.

You will work with Dr. Tabish Mir and Dr. Alan Watson at University of Nottingham’s Power Electronics and Machines Centre, which is a purpose-built £18M facility at Jubilee Campus. The PEMC institute is globally renowned and one of the leading in its field. 

 

Who we are looking for

We are actively looking for candidates with 

A first-class (UK equivalent) undergraduate degree in Electrical and/or Electronics Engineering.A master’s degree in electrical engineering (particularly power electronics and/or electric drives) is desirable (Preferably 1st class (UK equivalent))Knowledge of simulation platforms like MATLAB Simulink/PLECS.Coding and hardware skills are desirable. Strong analytical/mathematical skills.Passion for research and willingness to learn.Good presentation/communication and writing skills. 

Funding support

After a suitable candidate is found, funding is then sought from the University of Nottingham as part of a competitive process (this will cover home tuition fees and UKRI stipend)

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The Faculty of Engineering provides a thriving working environment for all PGRs creating a strong sense of community across research disciplines. Community and research culture is important to our PGRs and the FoE support this by working closely with our Postgraduate Research Society (PGES) and our PGR Research Group Reps to enhance the research environment for PGRs. PGRs benefit from training through the Researcher Academy’s Training Programme, those based within the Faculty of Engineering have access to bespoke courses developed for Engineering PGRs. including sessions on paper writing, networking and career development after the PhD. The Faculty has outstanding facilities and works in partnership with leading industrial partners. 

 

Please contact Tabish Mir with your CV and supporting statement to apply for this project - tabish.mir@nottingham.ac.uk

Closing Date: 01 May 2026
Category: Studentships