Design, modelling and optimisation of sustainable next generation Heat Transfer devices

Project description:  

Many devices today generate heat which is often lost to the atmosphere and recovery of this energy is a major sustainability opportunity. Two-phase heat transfer processes permit high heat power to be handled with minimal temperature drops, and are widely utilised for thermal management of electric vehicles, batteries, commercial electronics, and data servers. They are identified as a key technology for energy recovery and redeployment of waste heat and energy management. This project will focus on simulation and modelling of Heat Transfer during the complex processes of "phase change" (boiling and condensation of liquids) leading to development of improved two-phase cooling modelling and prediction solutions. While modelling of heat transfer in single phase is well understood, the multiple inter-related phenomena during phase change processes including vapour generation, displacement of liquid, surface characteristics, working fluid type, buoyancy effects and the contribution of gravity confer a vast array of complexity leading to difficulty in reliable prediction. This project will continue the work from current research projects on convective flow and condensation heat transfer and will further develop and refine the models to incorporate the more complex parameters needed for phase change processes. Subsequently these will be applied to the analysis of thermal management and heat recovery devices. 

Project objectives: 

• Establish for a given material, surface condition, and working fluid, a number of key parameters (e.g.: contact angle, superheat, sub-cooling) which most strongly influence the phase change process. 

• Study and characterize vapour bubble nucleation and growth (or in the case of condensation, droplet growth) and based on this utilize the data and patterns to create mathematical models for incorporation into the heat transfer equations. 

• Develop models to satisfactorily and realistically predict evaporation or condensation of liquids on a substrate in simple scenarios (e.g.: pool boiling) with a view to further development for flow boiling or continuous condensation. 

Candidate attributes:Motivated candidates with relevant experience in computer modelling and thermal management should apply. Candidates should have a 1st Class honours degree (essential) and/or a M.Sc. (desirable) in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Chemical, Materials Engineering or similar related disciplines. Candidates with a 2:1 degree and with relevant experience in the above fields will also be considered.

APPLICATIONS

Please send to Sean Walker – [Email Address Removed] only using the application form.

Application Form / Terms of Conditions can be obtained on the website:

https://www.itsligo.ie/mochas/

The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm, (GMT) 3rd July 2022