Oscillation source localisation from renewable energy rich power grid

Australia's electricity grid is undergoing an unprecedented energy transition to a power electronics-dominated system, with increasing proliferation of large-scale inverter-based resources (IBRs) such as solar PV, wind, and battery storage. 

This growth in renewables, combined with the retirement of coal-fired generation, is causing system strength and small-signal stability to decline. This leads to unstable oscillations.

This project will develop an oscillation source localisation and visualisation platform that leverages existing network monitoring infrastructure to help network service providers quickly pinpoint and isolate unstable IBRs. 

The outcomes will improve power system stability, increase network visibility, reduce renewable energy curtailment, and accelerate secure renewable energy integration in support of Australia's net-zero target. 

School of EECS has world class research facilities in renewable energy integrations, which includes access to several renewable energy generators, Renewable Energy laboratory and industry 4.0 UQ Energy TestLab with hardware-in-loop experimental setup in both RTDS and Opal-RT platforms, and state-of-the-art industry-based software tools.

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of renewable energy system modelling would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field of power systems stability and dynamics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of power system dynamics, IBR modeling with PSS/E and PSCAD tools, and/or data-driven analytics is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 30 September, 2026 30 September, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Feifei Bai (f.bai@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: OSCILLATION-BAI
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/oscillation-source-localisation-renewable-energy-rich-power-grid

Submit an EOI