DU
Resilient Control of Offshore Wind Transmission Systems for a Net-Zero Grid
✓ Fully Funded
🎓 Artificial Intelligence
🎓 Electrical Engineering
🎓 Energy Technologies
🎓 Engineering Mathematics
🎓 Offshore Engineering
🎓 Operational Research
resilience
control systems
offshore wind
HVDC grids
electromagnetic transient modelling
grid-forming control
hardware-in-the-loop
net-zero grid
power electronics
transmission systems
This fully-funded PhD develops resilient control strategies for offshore wind transmission systems, focusing on grid-forming HVDC controllers for stable voltage and frequency restoration after faults. The project combines high-fidelity modelling, controller design, and industrial validation to enhance offshore grid reliability for the UK’s net-zero energy targets.
Project Description
Offshore wind integration into the UK grid relies on HVDC transmission, which is sensitive to faults and extreme events. This project develops control strategies to ensure rapid, stable recovery during contingencies, reducing curtailment and supporting black-start procedures.
Key research activities include:
Modelling coupled AC–MTDC offshore networks and onshore grids
Designing grid-forming controllers (e.g., virtual synchronous machines)
Stress-testing control strategies using realistic extreme-event libraries
Hardware-in-the-loop validation and industrial collaboration
Translating results into open models and software for operators
Students will gain expertise in power system resilience, EMT simulation, control algorithms, and practical validation in collaboration with the National HVDC Centre and industrial partners.
Entry Requirements
First-class Honours degree, or 2:1 Honours plus a Masters, or Masters with Distinction in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Statistics
English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each component)
Open to international applicants
Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds
English proficiency: IELTS 7.0 overall (min 6.0 in each component)
Open to international applicants
Guaranteed interview scheme for eligible home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds
How to Apply
Applications are submitted to Durham University via the Offshore Wind CDT website. Applications are considered on a rolling basis for September 2026 entry, with early submission strongly recommended.
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DM
Dr Mahmoud Shahbazi, Prof Hongjian Sun
Durham University, Offshore Wind CDT
Related Opportunities
AUB
UNI
INR
MEM