Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) has been promoted as one of the feasible solutions to support the hydrogen economy around the world, which will make a major contribution to the NetZero targets.
This project aims to assess the feasibility based on the physical, chemical and microbial properties of aquifers and depleted reservoirs. The hydrogen storage in aquifers involves two-phase flow through porous media, geochemical and biological reactions which can impede the reservoir (near well) and caprock integrity. The PhD candidate will develop a multiscale computational framework to simulate multiphase flow, transport and reactions related to hydrogen storage in aquifers. The developed computational tool will be used to assess the long-term reservoir and caprock integrity using such computational approach. This PhD student will have the opportunity to collaborate with BP and several external collaborators, which will be highly beneficial to their experience and career development.
Research group webpage:
https://personalpages.manchester.ac.uk/staff/vahid.niasar/
We look for an enthusiastic, resourceful and committed candidate with the following essential requirements:
- MSc graduated with high First-Class degree from a UK university, or the overseas equivalent in an engineering discipline related to chemical engineering, civil/environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, and reservoir engineering.
- Proficient in computer programming using C/C++.
- Proficient in computational modelling and simulation.
- Research experience in flow and transport in porous media
- Excellent team working and communication skills.
Experience in CUDA programming, openFOAM simulation and Machine learning are desirable.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder), carer support funds for conferences, and peer support networks for parents and carers.
All appointments are made on merit.
The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
The Admissions team for the Department of Chemical Engineering can be contacted at [Email Address Removed] with any queries you may have regarding the application process.