Optimisation of power & control systems for high-speed motor/generators & Active Magnetic BearingsforSustainable&cost-effectiveAerospace propulsionSys

This PhD project will propose new topologies and control strategies for high-speed machines and active magnetic bearing drives targeting sustainable and cost-effective aerospace propulsion. The main aim of this project is to develop techniques for power electronics control and high-speed sensing for Active Magnetic Bearing drives considering the use of wide bandgap power semiconductor devices. The project will be closely linked with NEMA's high speed motor/generator control and active magnetic bearings development. Innovative functional integration between different components of the drive converter will enable a cost-effective and compact solution.

This PhD project will propose new topologies and control strategies for high-speed machines and active magnetic bearing drives targeting sustainable and cost-effective aerospace propulsion. The main aim of this project is to develop techniques for power electronics control and high-speed sensing for Active Magnetic Bearing drives considering the use of wide bandgap power semiconductor devices. The project will be closely linked with NEMA's high speed motor/generator control and active magnetic bearings development. Innovative functional integration between different components of the drive converter will enable a cost-effective and compact solution. The control development will be based on a high-performance, Digital Signal Processor (DSP), with all control algorithms implemented in software. An experimental prototype will be built and tested to verify all the practical aspects of the design.

Y1: Building up strong foundations of knowledge in the fields of power electronics and control theory, with auxiliary knowledge fields such as data science, machine learning, signals & systems, instrumentation, HDL and DSP. Simulation of different topologies and control strategies.
Key Milestone: Construction of a functioning power system and control system for an existing AMB. Strict definition of the research question and subsequent research plan. Publish one conference paper.

Y2: Continuation of Y1 objectives, while narrowing the focus on a specific NEMA AMB design. Exploring the existing papers pertaining to the problem, with a focus on replication of methodologies and results. Exploration of novel ideas that might result from the research plan.
Key Milestone: A complete design of the power and control system for an AMB in a NEMA high speed drive system. Publish the first journal paper.

Y3: Continuation of Y2 objectives. Most of the focus on the execution of the research plan and continuous personal development. Construction of a converter prototype. Implementation of the closed-loop controller. Practical experimentation of the AMB system.
Key Milestone: Delivery of prototype system. Collecting experimental results. Publish second journal paper.

Y4: Continuation of Y3 objectives with a focus on completion of all deliverables as outlined in the CDT structure. Summarizing the results. Improving the controller design to improve the performance of the prototype system. Writing up the dissertation.
Key Milestone: Thesis delivery, viva voce. Publish third journal paper.