As part of a 4-year programme of work on the Enhancement of short-term power system flexibility at high wind penetration levels, a vacancy exists for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow. The successful candidate will initially be employed on a 2 year contract (at PDII level). Subject to satisfactory performance and outputs related to the research aspects of the role and including satisfactory skill and competency development, a second two year contract will be available to the individual at PD 2 level or in the case of outstanding performance, and as assessed against the UCD Research Fellow Criteria, at Research Fellow level.
As wind penetration levels increase in power systems world-wide, conventional generation will be displaced, so alternative flexibility options must be implemented to control increased system ramping rates, provide regulating and contingency reserve, and maintain adequate system inertia. A number of enabling technologies are potentially becoming available: demand side management, electric vehicle transportation, and wind farm flexibility. Co-ordinated control of each option in the intra-hour timescale will enable depleted regulating and contingency reserve levels to be raised to a required higher target. Stochastic unit commitment and dynamic power system models will be developed, informed by data supplied from smart metering trials and validated using network disturbance recorder outputs. The short-term, intra-hour flexibility provided by each option will be extensively evaluated through simulation studies, considering technical and economic viewpoints. An optimal mix of flexibility options will be proposed which enables high renewable energy penetration levels to be achieved without compromising power system reliability. The project will involve close co-operation with EirGrid (transmission system operator for Ireland) and ESB Networks (distribution system operator for Ireland), along with a co-ordinating role for a team of 3 PhD students.
This is an advanced research focused role, building on your prior experience as a post-doctoral fellow, where you will conduct a specified programme of research supported by research training under the supervision and direction of a Principal Investigator.
The primary purpose of the role is to develop new or advanced research skills and competences, on the processes of publication in peer-reviewed academic publications and scholarly dissemination, the development of funding proposals, and the supervision and mentorship of graduate students along with the opportunity to develop your skills in research led teaching. The post holder should have a willingness to travel, and spend periods of time at other research centres of excellence.
Job description 004138
Application Deadline:
05 January 2011
Contact:
Damian Flynn,
damian.flynn@ucd.ie
