Closing date: 31 August 2019

Key Information

Subject areas: Electrical Engineering, Physics

Start date: October 2019

Project description:

This project will work alongside a consortium of leading industrial and academic partners, which brings together a number of world leaders in power semiconductors and energy conversion to develop solutions for automotive, aerospace, industrial and grid-level power electronics.

The purpose is to improve the UK’s energy infrastructure as we move into a low carbon economy. A paradigm shift in technology will be required in order to cope effectively with an ever-increasing amount of renewable energy being brought online.

It is envisaged that other forms of renewable energy e.g. tidal, solar could also play a role alongside traditional coal fired power stations and nuclear energy generation.

Revolutionary changes to power conversion is indispensable if these carbon emissions targets are to be met. The objective is to enable a step change in power conversion, transmission and distribution through power electronics based on new materials. At the heart of such systems are power semiconductor devices.

The advantages of wide bandgap materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) for power electronic applications are well documented.

Gallium Oxide (Ga₂O₃) is an emerging oxide semiconductor that has recently been identified as a promising candidate for power electronics and photovoltaics. There are very few reports on this exciting new material.

This project is aimed at understanding the fundamental performance limit of Ga₂O₃ power devices through finite element modelling (electrical and thermal) and device fabrication aimed at both power electronics and photovoltaics.

A self-motivated individual who will be based at the College of Engineering will conduct research into the latest gallium oxide power electronic devices. The research work will be undertaken in a state-of-the-art micro-fabrication power semiconductor device cleanroom.

Project supervisors: Dr Mike Jennings

Eligibility

Candidates should hold a minimum of 2.1 honours degree with a master’s level in engineering (preferably electrical) or physics.

Candidates should be proficient at presenting results and using computer software (MatLab, MS Excel, MS Word, etc.).

We would normally expect the academic and English Language requirements (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent) to be met by point of application. For details on the University’s English Language entry requirements, please visit – http://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to UK/EU candidate only.

Funding

The scholarship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees and an annual stipend of £14,296.

There will be additional funds available for research expenses.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete and submit the following documents to Dr Mike Jennings (m.r.jennings@swansea.ac.uk):

• A research proposal entitled “Gallium oxide for power electronic devices”
• College of Engineering PGR Scholarship Application
• CV
• Degree certificates and transcripts

For enquiries please contact Dr Mike Jennings (m.r.jennings@swansea.ac.uk / +44 (0)1792 518694).

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