Advanced phase change thermal management of PEMDs Reference BoydCorp-01-2023

This PhD project is part of the CDT in Sustainable Electric Propulsion. The successful PhD student will be co-supervised by academics from within the Electrical Power Research Group at Newcastle University and work alongside our external partner Aavid, Thermal Division of Boyd Corporation.

About the project

The effective thermal management of power electronics, drives and electrical machines (PEMD) is one of the key enabling factors for the next generation of zero-emission carbon-neutral applications including both automotive and aerospace industries.

This multidisciplinary PhD project sponsored by Boyd Technologies Ashington UK Ltd. aims to explore new concepts of advanced phase change thermal management applicable to the high specific output integrated motor drives.

Candidates with background/interest in electromagnetic, thermal and mechanical design of electrical machines are particularly welcomed. A working knowledge of CAD tools for the finite element and computational fluid dynamics analysis is essential.

Both Newcastle University and Boyd Technologies Ashington UK Ltd will provide a successful candidate with access to design, manufacturing and testing facilities to aid research and development of the new integrated thermal management concepts.

How to apply

You should complete an application by submitting the following mandatory documents via Newcastle University portal. You must ensure that you include the title of the project and reference number quoted above in the project title field in the covering letter: 

• CV 
• Covering letter (including title of project and reference number)
• Degree transcripts and certificates
• If English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualifications

Please ‘Create a new account’ on the postgraduate application system. Enter the programme code as 8206F, select ‘PhD Power Electronics for Sustainable Electric Propulsion' as the programme of study and PESEP23 as the studentship code. In the covering letter please quote reference code PESEP23 and state how your interests and experience relate to the CDT.

Eligibility criteria

Available to International and Home UK students for a PhD at Newcastle University.

Applicants should have at least a 2:1 Bachelor level degree in an Engineering or Science discipline.

About the CDT 

The overall vision of the CDT is the creation of a new generation of UK specialists driving the electric revolution in the transport sector. As this sector is reliant on a reliable supply of low carbon electricity, development of wave energy is seen as a potentially important part of this sector.

We aim to create a new school of thinking amongst engineers and scientists, capable of leading the transformation from fossil fuel transport to sustainable and environmentally friendly electric transport.

Our partners 

A collaboration between two of the UK's largest and most forward-thinking research groups in electric propulsion: the Electrical Power Group at Newcastle University and the Power Electronics, Machines and Control Research Group at the University of Nottingham.

The CDT is supported by over 30 industrial and network partners to deliver unprecedented high-quality research and comprehensive training.

Training 

We have developed a radical new training programme that will equip our students with a new school of thinking for solving problems to ensure maximum research impact. 

Highlights of the training programme include: 

• Fusion-Training-Units - a revolutionary new training method combining technical knowledge with professional skills. 
• Supervisor-on-Demand scheme - students will get support from their main academic and industrial supervisor and also from a pool of experts throughout training and research. 
• A large choice of taught modules and laboratories - subjects in engineering, science, business tailored to students' needs.