Please tell us about your role at PNDC
I am currently a Research & Development Engineer supporting the EU funded INTER-REG FASTER project. This project has involved the development of an EV charging-point planning process for local authorities and transport partnerships from user-demand, geospatial and power network capacity perspectives. Based on this planning tool, PNDC will be recommending sites for the installation of 24 rapid (>50 kW) EV chargers across three local authority areas in Scotland.
How long have you worked at PNDC?
I joined PNDC in November 2020. With the team at PNDC growing – I’m glad to say I wasn’t the newest employee for very long at all!
What was your background before joining PNDC?
I have been at Strathclyde in some shape or form since 2010 – initially completed an MEng degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering in 2015. Following this, I took the plunge and joined the ‘Future Power Networks and Smart Grids’ Centre for Doctoral Training based at the University and Imperial College London. My PhD focused on developing a new approach to the backup protection of Medium Voltage DC links – an area where deficiencies in existing protection practice were identified. The PhD involved both simulation and laboratory demonstration. A highlight of the PhD was being selected to present this work at the CIGRE Session in Paris. I took a six-month secondment during my PhD to assist with the design and deployment of control and communication systems for several of the first enhanced-frequency-control-capable (EFCC) battery storage schemes. Before joining PNDC, I was a Research Associate working on real-time control and modelling for a ‘web-of-cells’ demonstrator as part of the ERA-NET SES funded CLUE consortium.
What do you enjoy most about working at PNDC?
Having joined PNDC in November 2020, I have sadly not yet met the majority of my colleagues in real-life. I can therefore say, the best bit about PNDC is the 10-step commute from the kitchen to my make-shift home office. In all seriousness, my work so far at PNDC has been very varied with some good opportunities to speak to various stakeholders in the EV sector. It has been rewarding to see the Rapid EV charging sites identified and recommended through the process developed at PNDC move to physical deployment stages. Another highlight of working at PNDC was definitely the hamper delivery at Christmas – so a big thanks to Santa’s helpers for that!
What can we find you doing in your spare time?
During my spare time I enjoy hitting the ski slopes – unfortunately, this has been a bit more difficult this winter – but I can’t wait to get back. To take my mind off the lack of winter sports and as a treat to myself for completing my PhD, I invested in a wood-fired pizza oven; so most weekends I can be found perfecting (and hopefully not burning) home-made pizzas.