Advanced Computationally Efficient Design Tools for Electrical Machines with Motor Design Limited

Increasing processing power is making complex numerical analysis design tools more accessible and useable. Examples of these in electrical machine design are computational fluid dynamics for modelling flow in thermal analysis problems, 2D finite element analysis (FEA) to calculate conductive heat transfer and 3D FEA to analyse electromagnetic performance. However models that require less time to build and solve such as lumped parameter thermal analysis, 2D FEA electromagnetic analysis and analytical techniques are often able to provide sufficiently accurate results and are currently far more commonly used in design processes throughout industry. Models that can be solved rapidly will always be required for initial design sizing, systems simulation, duty/driving cycle analysis and optimisation procedures.

The aim of this Engineering Doctorate is to apply rigorous system based approaches to evaluate the various modelling approaches considering their applicability in electric machine design both now and into the future. The research engineer would consider this problem from an internal, customer, partner and market perspective while gaining technical experience through hands-on work with the various tools in a variety of interesting projects. Technical developments will be required in specifying a framework for integrating the various modelling tools, in accurate reduced order high fidelity models to cater for complex integrations such as heat convention, and in automated model/parameter abstraction techniques.

The research engineer would be expected to spend time at both the Motor-Design offices in Ellesmere and the University of Bristol. The Electrical Energy Management Group at the University of Bristol is researching novel formats of electrical drives in all the application areas cited above and extensively uses advanced design tools. The division of time between these is reasonably flexible and can be discussed during the application process. During the first two years of study training will be provided in research methods, approaches used in the analyses of complex systems and in advanced electrical machine design.

Candidate requirements:
Essential:
Good first degree in electrical, mechanical or general engineering
Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to interact with external customers

Desirable:
Project work and/or specialist modules in either electrical machines or heat transfer
Experience in structured software programming
Familiarity with finite element or CFD modelling techniques

Full description http://www.bristol.ac.uk/eng-systems-centre/idc/vacancies/motor-design.html