Power electronic converters are key enablers for the electrification of aircraft and the transition to Net Zero aviation. They are used in motor drives (for example, electric fuel pumps) and actuators for the more-electric aircraft, and in propulsion for hybrid-electric systems.

Reducing the weight of power electronic converters, without reducing available power, is crucial. One major contributor to converter size and weight is the EMI filter; these filters prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) between electronic equipment, which could otherwise cause malfunctions.

To meet these requirements, conventional passive EMI filters are used, comprising capacitors, inductors, and damping resistors. Whilst a robust and straightforward approach, passive EMI filters are bulky and heavy.

Active EMI filters (AEFs) use control techniques and electronic amplifiers to detect unwanted signals and inject an equal and opposite signal to cancel them. Although they cannot fully replace passive components, AEFs can significantly reduce their size and weight, improving the power density of the converter. However, this introduces challenges such as additional complexity and feedback stability issues.

The CDT supports fully funded, multidisciplinary PhD research projects across areas such as:

• zero emission technologies
• ultra efficient aircraft, propulsion, aerodynamics, structures and systems
• aerospace materials, manufacturing, and life cycle analysis
• green aviation operations and infrastructure
• aviation environmental, commercialisation & socio-economic aspects

The CDT in Net Zero Aviation is the world’s first centre of excellence for net zero aviation education, training and research, delivering impactful industrial and academic partnerships, future-proof skills, innovation, and leadership to achieve net zero aviation by 2050.

The project forms part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Net Zero Aviation, offering an integrated, multidisciplinary training programme focused on innovation, collaboration, and inclusive leadership. As part of an annual cohort, you’ll benefit from world-class training facilities across various universities and industrial settings, engaging with experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds. Based at the University of Strathclyde, a leading international technological university for impactful research, the project will leverage the commercial partner’s expertise in HVDC aircraft electrical technologies.

This PhD will address these challenges, leveraging recent advances in electronics and control through theoretical derivations, software simulations, and experimental validation to develop innovative active EMI filters for high-power-density converters supporting net zero aviation.

What you'll get from this project

While working on this exciting research project, you'll be provided with:

• a fully funded 4 year full-time industrially sponsored PhD – £24,000 tax free stipend per year
• attendance/presentations to international and national conferences with expenses fully covered
• cohort and individual modular training covering technical, research, professional and personal development
• a minimum of 3 months fully funded industrial placement
• industrial supervision/mentorship scheme
• access to 40 industrial, government & research partners from the wider aviation sector
• access to world class research and education facilities

Collaborating closely with all partners, interdisciplinary teams and fellow students, each CDT student will benefit from structured modular training, significant industry engagement, and access to world-class experimental facilities.

Graduates of the CDT in Net Zero Aviation will emerge with a unique interdisciplinary skillset, deep industry insights, and a commitment to sustainability, fully prepared to drive the decarbonisation of aviation in diverse careers spanning industry, academia, government, and policymaking. 

They'll be equipped with a unique interdisciplinary combination of technical and professional skills, gained through extensive cohort-based training and cross-university collaborations.

By engaging with diverse academic and industry partners across Cranfield, Strathclyde, and Cardiff Universities, and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the wider aviation ecosystem.