Funding providers: Enserv, Altair and EPSRC
Subject areas: Electrochemical energy Storage; Computational mechanics; Engineering simulation
Project start date:
- 1 October 2023 (Enrolment open from mid–September)
Project supervisors:
Aligned programme of study: PhD in Chemical Engineering
Mode of study: Full-time
Project description:
Motivation and applications: Electrochemica energy storage systems, such as batteries, are essential for all Electric Vehicles (EVs) and sit at the centre of the current technology revolution for a net-zero society. Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are predominantly used because of their high energy density and long term stability, relative to other electrical energy storage systems.
Vision: Current research at Swansea University (in collaboration with Enserv) is leading the realisation of a novel Hybrid Battery Pack (HBP) system for EVs combining off-the-shelf Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIB) with in-house produced Sodium-Ion Batteries (NIB), which are cheaper, and more sustainable.
Challenge: The performance and reliability of a battery pack is driven by its thermo-electro-chemistry; therefore the understanding, prediction and control of this highly coupled process is key for any novel battery design. Specifically, the capturing of the Joules Heating effect generated within a battery pack during a duty cycle is key for the prediction of localised stress concentrations or, overall failure, in the worst case scenario. This can potentially require extensive and expensive laboratory experimentation, which can delay the introduction of rapid developments in the field. With that in mind, computational simulation has been recently introduced as a complementary tool, seeking to replace lengthy experimental campaigns with high-fidelity computer models capable of predicting the behaviour of the battery at different levels (i.e. cell, pack, multi-packs).
Aim: Building upon cutting-edge work by the group (Swansea University, Enserv and Altair), this PhD project will aim to help develop a simulation software tool which can accurately model the thermal performance of hybrid cell chemistries (e.g. Li-Ion and Na-Ion). The project will involve experiments on real cells, modules and packs to generate the needed data. Crucially, whilst simulation software will be required to be fast and efficient -so that it can aid the design process-, it will also have to be of high-fidelity -when compared against physical experiments-, thus accurate data acquisition and calibration will be key elements of this project.
Resources: The PhD student will take advantage of state-of-the-art battery energy storage facilities and data acquisition techniques in order to inform the Altair OptiStruct heat transfer system simulation software, which uses finite element technology, to assess the thermo-mechanical battery pack performance of novel Hybrid Battery Packs, opening the door to the exploration of novel designs via shape optimisation algorithms.
Location: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Bay Campus, Swansea University
Available resources/facilities: Access to state-of-the-art Computer Clusters and software and Energy Storage and Battery experimental facilities.
Eligibility
Candidates must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University) in Engineering or similar relevant science discipline.
English Language requirements: If applicable – IELTS 6.5 overall (with at least 5.5 in each individual component) or Swansea recognised equivalent.
This scholarship is open to candidates of any nationality.
EPSRC DTP studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students, once the limit has been reached, we are unable to make offers to international students.
We are still accepting applications from international applicants.
International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.
ATAS
Please note that the programme requires some applicants to hold ATAS clearance, further details on ATAS scheme eligibility are available on the UK Government website.
ATAS clearance IS NOT required to be held as part of the scholarship application process, successful award winners (as appropriate) are provided with details as to how to apply for ATAS clearance in tandem with scholarship course offer.
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