PhD Studentship: High-Efficiency Power Electronics for AI Data Centres and Net-Zero Grids

University of Warwick; Coventry; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

UKRI funded stipend

3.5 years funded study

Job summary

University of Warwick is inviting applications for a PhD project focused on developing medium-voltage SST cells for hyperscale AI data centres and net-zero grids. You will investigate high-frequency power conversion challenges, optimize compact magnetic links, and validate designs with multi-physics modelling and lab experiments, culminating in a hardware prototype.

The project is supervised by Dr Jiaqi Yan and Prof.

Qualifications

• First-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in power electronic devices/systems or high-voltage setups.
• Solid theoretical foundation in power electronics, power semiconductor devices, or high-voltage engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop medium-voltage SST cells tailored for hyperscale AI data centres and net-zero grids.
• Investigate core physical challenges of high-frequency power conversion.
• Design compact, ultra-efficient magnetic links and mitigate electrical-thermal degradation under repetitive high-dv/dt stresses.
• Conduct multi-physics modelling (ANSYS/COMSOL) and experimental validation in the high-voltage power electronics lab.
• Produce a scaled hardware prototype demonstrating improved efficiency and power density.

Skills

Power electronics

High-voltage design

Embedded DSP/FPGA control

Education

Bachelors in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or Physics

Tools

ANSYS

COMSOL

DSP/FPGA tools

Job description

Data centres powering modern artificial intelligence workloads currently account for more than 2% of global electricity consumption, a figure projected to rise substantially over the next decade. In hyperscale facilities, around 30% of input electrical energy is lost as heat during power conversion and distribution.

To address the power conversion challenges outlined in the UK’s Clean Power 2030, Solid-State Transformers (SSTs) that combine wide-bandgap power semiconductors and high-frequency magnetics offer the power density, efficiency, and bidirectional power-flow control required for AI data centres, megawatt-scale electric vehicle charging, and renewable-rich distribution networks.

Research Aims & Scope

This PhD project focuses on developing medium-voltage SST cells tailored for hyperscale AI data centres and net-zero grids. You will investigate the core physical challenges of high-frequency power conversion, focusing on designing compact, ultra-efficient magnetic links and mitigating electrical-thermal degradation under repetitive high-dv/dt stresses. Leveraging the supervisory team’s established research in advanced power semiconductors, sensing and gate-driving technologies, your work will combine multi-physics finite-element modelling (ANSYS/COMSOL) with experimental validation in our high-voltage power electronics laboratory, culminating in a scaled hardware prototype demonstrating enhanced efficiency and power density.

The Research Environment

Dr Jiaqi Yan and Prof. Layi Alatise will supervise the student at the University of Warwick, working within our world-class power electronics facilities. This project offers a unique opportunity to master the intersection of power semiconductors and high-voltage engineering, directly contributing to the UK's capability in next-generation energy infrastructure.

Scholarship

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £21,805, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study. International candidates are welcome to apply, but must be able to cover the difference in the fee levels.

Eligibility

Essential:

• A first-class or strong upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in power electronic devices/systems or high-voltage setups. Solid theoretical foundation in power electronics, power semiconductor devices, or high-voltage engineering.

Desirable: Experience in multi-physics simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL), high-speed PCB design, embedded DSP/FPGA control, or other related skills