Even though relatively safe, like all technology, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) do fail, and the ever-growing number of LiBs in everyday life is likely to result in more failures. Once exposed to abuse conditions, the LIB can go into thermal runaway (TR), resulting in fire or even explosion. The combustible gases (i.e., vapour cloud) produced by the battery during thermal runaway have a high risk of explosion.
At present, the experimental studies of lithium-ion battery explosion are mostly focused on small-scale batteries. They are very valuable however, not appropriate to simply extrapolate to larger setups such as battery modules, electric vehicles or energy storage systems. Experiments conducted on such a large scale are costly, not easy to setup and often of limited scope. Therefore, there is a need to develop supporting tools such as numerical modelling to backup effectiveness and lower the cost of traditional studies.
This project aims to study, develop and validate numerical models to simulate the gas production, dispersion and explosive potential in lithium-ion batteries, from the cell to a battery energy storage system level. Ultimately, it will provide the robust tool that allow the better understanding of the gas behaviour during thermal runaway leading to vapour cloud explosions.
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. The student will form part of Cohort 5 and commence in September 2023.
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 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.
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