Download PhD Research Studentships - Glasgow Caledonian University

PhD Research Studentships
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Project Title: Development of a Novel Online Cable Insulation Resistance
Measurement and Condition Monitoring Technique
Applications are invited for this full-time PhD research studentship within the School of Engineering and Built
Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University. The studentship is for a period of three years, subject to
satisfactory progress, and provides payment of full UK tuition fees plus an annual stipend of £14,800. As part
of their academic development, the successful candidate is expected to undertake up to 6 hours of teaching
support activity per week.
Project Detail:
EDF Energy has monitored PD activity within cables whilst in service in selected power stations using an
instrument designed and implemented through collaboration with Prof. C. Zhou and Dr. D.M. Hepburn at GCU.
Independently, over many years, EDF have adopted off-line insulation resistance (IR) measurements. In
comparison with PD, detection of incipient fault signals using on-line IR testing is more challenging. Usually,
incipient faults in power cables are due to gradual aging processes which can result in localized deterioration
in insulation. Insulation deterioration and incipient faults may result in a drop in IR and also a selfextinguishing arcing phenomenon with the relatively low fault currents and the relatively short duration,
ranging from one-quarter cycle to multi cycles. These short term current variations are usually undetectable
by the traditional distribution protection schemes because of their short duration and low increment in
magnitude. However, such faults must be detected at an early stage to avoid consequent catastrophic events
due to failure as a result of the degradation. The key to improved assessment of plant integrity and successful
extension of asset life thus lies in timely identification, characterisation and determination of the rate of
degradation of weak spots, via a combination of partial discharge, insulation resistance and incipient fault
measurement, before proactively repairing/replacing them. The proposed project aims to develop an on-line
technique for detection of deterioration of cables through IR and other symptoms, to tackle the lack of
knowledge of cable condition during the intervals between off-line tests.
Required background and/or experience of the candidate:
The candidate should possess a relevant 1st or 2.1 honours degree to have a strong background in two or
more of the following three areas:
(a) Degradation process of high voltage insulation
(b) Power cables and condition monitoring
(c) Computer programming using Matlab or C++
It is anticipated that the candidate will liaise with industrial partners, relevant industrial and academic
personnel and that he/she will have to travel nationally/internationally for meetings and conference
presentations.
For further project information, please contact Prof. Chengke Zhou at [email protected] .
How to Apply:
The application process is detailed here and completed forms should be submitted to
[email protected]
The closing date for applications is the 18th March 2016
At GCU we are committed to promoting a flexible, accessible and inclusive working environment. Anticipated
flexible work patterns for PhD students can be discussed with the project supervisory team at the interview
stage.