Dr Zunaib Ali

I am a lecturer in the Division of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, London South Bank University. I am also contributing to Innovate UK HAWKSBI project. I received my B.Sc. degree in electronic engineering from UET Peshawar, Pakistan, in 2013, my M.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from COMSATS University, Pakistan, in 2015, and my Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from Frederick University, Cyprus, in 2018. From 2018 to 2019, I was a research assistant in Real-Time Power Laboratory, Queen Mary University of London, for Innovative U.K. project. I have also worked as a research fellow at Northumbria University, under UKERI project.

I am a researcher with a clear vision and in-depth knowledge of electrical and electronic engineering. My research area covers the design of power electronic converter controllers and machine learning algorithms for the integration of renewable energy systems (e.g. photovoltaic, wind) and low carbon technologies (e.g. electric vehicles) to provide sustainable and environmentally friendly energy and transport systems, ultimately leading to smart grids. My knowledge and experience cover control systems, power systems, and energy management concepts with a strong theory and mathematical background together with the necessary practical skills. My work primarily includes the use of MATLAB’s SimPowerSystem/Simscape toolbox in the design of real-time controllers for grid-connected converters and microgrid applications, such as those for renewable energy systems and electric vehicles. I have good experience in developing and testing algorithms for the control of renewable energy sources and battery energy storage systems using real-time simulators (such as dSPACE, Speedgoat) and other hardware equipment (such as power converters, power amplifiers AC/DC grid emulators). Prior to my appointment at LSBU, I worked at Northumbria University under a British Council project for the development of a small-scale microgrid comprising a PV system, bi-directional converters, controllable active loads, and electric vehicle batteries. I also worked as a Research Assistant on a project funded by Innovative UK at the Queen Mary University of London, where I worked on developing a demonstrator system delivering real-time performance data from a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle battery module using new sensors and image analysis algorithms. My research in power electronic and renewable energy systems is well cited by other researchers https://scholar.google.com.pk/citations?user=oZ1Ixu0AAAAJ&hl=en.
RESEARCH AREA: Analysis, design, and control of power electronics systems; Emerging power electronics (wide bandgap devices) and applications; Renewable energy systems (integration and control); Energy storage and smart energy systems; Vehicle to X technologies, Bidirectional charging converters, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, Smart and microgrids.

Prospective Ph.D. students, research assistants, and postdocs with research in the above areas are very welcome to apply for research. Active collaboration with academic institutes (Queen Mary University of London, Northumbria University Newcastle, etc.) and industrial organizations (Otaskies Energy LTD, Neuville, etc.).
Current Funded Projects
• NetZero boot camp, £575k from Greater London Authority (GLA)
• Grant of £4k to establish a research connection between LSBU and Texas A&M.
• Secured a PAK-UK Education Gateway Mobility Partnership Grant For Faculty research initiative, £63.4k.
• Contributing to Innovative UK smart grant for monitoring and control of renewables, worth £1.8m

Module leader

Electrical Circuit Analysis, https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/course-finder/beng-hons-electrical-electronic-engineering-2022-23
Electrical Services in Buildings, https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/course-finder/building-services-engineering-beng-hons
Power Electronics
Artificial Intelligence and Signal Processing