Stochastic modelling of frequency fluctuations and technoeconomic analysis of future power grids

Research Group: Center for Condensed Matter Physics
Number of Students: 1
Length of Study in Years: 4 years
Full-time Project: yes

Funding

Funding is provided via the China Scholarship Council.  

• Available to Chinese applicants only.
• Applicant required to start in September 2025
• The studentship arrangement will cover overseas tuition fees for the duration of the studentship.

Project Description

Building a sustainable energy system of the future is key to achieving the 2015 Paris goal of limiting global warming “well below 2°C”. It is widely assumed that a sustainable future energy system requires electrified heating and transportation, powered by significantly more renewable energy sources. However:

• Larger fractions of wind and solar generation introduce complex types of frequency fluctuations in power grids (small deviations around 50 Hz) which are dependent on the weather, as well as on demand fluctuations of consumers, market forces, and control actions.
• The larger fraction of renewables, and the lack of inertia, introduce significant spatio-temporal complexity in the power grid of the future which mathematically needs to be understood and modelled.
• There is also a wider question regarding when the CO2 “break-even” is for introducing electrified heating and transport, which thus far has barely been addressed by scientists, politicians, industry and the media.

 

This PhD project will develop new mathematical models for spatio-temporal frequency fluctuations in power grids, and compare with recently obtained measured data. The models will be based on stochastic differential equations with more complicated (non-Gaussian and correlated) noise sources and time-dependent volatility parameters. A detailed comparison with measured data of real systems will be performed, using superstatistical and multifractal data analysis techniques.  The complex noise models will then be fed into other models and be used to make quantitative predictions for the behaviour of future power grid systems that will contain a higher fraction of renewables. A particular aspect of the PhD project will be to give quantitative predictions how batteries and storage solutions can smoothen the frequency fluctuations and load profiles in the sustainable power grid of the future, using the above modelling approach. Part of the research will be done using Matlab and will enhance our industry links with MathWorks (Cambridge). Technoeconomic calculations will be performed to estimate the “break-even” of electrification, with specific focus on what proportion of renewables (and what type) will be needed to make electrification worthwhile, and whether battery long-term storage is a viable economic policy (with arguments based on clear science).

Supervisor Contact Details:

For informal enquiries about this position, please contact Professor Alan Drew

Tel: 020 7882 5582

E-mail: a.drew@qmul.ac.uk

Application Method:

To apply for this studentship and for entry on to the Principal’s Scholarship programme (Full Time) please follow the instructions detailed on the following webpage:

https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/subjects/physics.html

Deadline for applications - 29th of January 2025

Requirements

• The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good Honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
• If English is not your first language you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of 6.0 in all categories.

SPCS Academics: Professor Alan Drew