About the course

Research students are welcomed to Brunel as valued members of our thriving, research-intensive community. A research degree provides the opportunity to investigate a topic in depth, and contribute new knowledge to your discipline. A PhD involves demonstrating through original research or other advanced scholarship the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of an academic discipline or professional practice, the ability to conceptualise, design and implement a project for the general of new knowledge, applications or understanding at the forefront of the discipline. Both full-time (3 years) and part-time (6 years) study routes are available.

Research profile

The Smart Power Network stheme is a well-established group with a strong national and international reputation. Our research focuses on the development of algorithms to improve distribution efficiency, and strategies to allow mass power generation from renewable energy sources to be efficiently integrated with the grid. Other areas of expertise include power electronics for efficient power conversion. Challenges for the future include efficient conversion of thermal to electrical energy, Direct Current (DC) power networks in commercial buildings and homes, and innovations to reduce electrical energy demand and optimised demand control.

Members of the Smart Power Networks theme have strong links with the electricity industry in the UK as well as international links across Europe, China and the USA. The research draws on the disciplines of electrical power engineering, control engineering, optimisation theory, high-performance computing and ICT. Computer models and optimisation algorithms developed by members of this theme have been implemented in over 35 utility companies in seven countries.

In 2015, Professor Gareth Taylor was elected by the CIGRE-UK National Committee as the Regular Member of the International Study Committee SC D2 'Information Systems and Telecommunication'. The appointment was in recognition of the ongoing research activities that he has led in the development of novel ICT infrastructure for Smart Grids. In 2015, Dr Ahmed Zobaa was nominated and elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences in recognition of his excellent academic track record and ongoing research activities in the field of electrical power system.