The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities (ReNU)is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year training programme that has been designed to maximise the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The start date is 1st October 2023.
Flexible substrate devices are becoming increasingly popular, with wearable and other fabric-based devices being a significant research focus. Powering wearable sensors and electronics presents a challenge to further implementation of such devices. The ability to power these devices using energy recovery techniques would therefore be desirable.
The aim of this project is to research a self-charging paradigm for fabric-based devices by functionalising threads, which could be embroidered into fabrics. In this paradigm, energy is recovered to power wearable devices, rather than having to charge them. The method will not only address the usability challenges around offline periods but will also pave the way for long-term continuous monitoring capabilities. The focus will be on various energy recovery options, including piezoelectricity, magnetic induction and photovoltaics through the functionalisation of threads.
In order to achieve this, we can take existing energy scavenging technologies and develop them via the functionalisation of threads that can then be sewn into clothing. This technology could also be developed to scavenge energy from light in net window curtains. This project will investigate how to functionalise the threads and test how robust they are for use in clothing and will involve taking standard microfabrication techniques and devising innovative ways to modify them for use with threads and fabrics.
In addition to the immediate application of wearables, another inherent advantage is to develop mechanically conformal functional surfaces using flexible substrates and embroidery methods. This feature will be explored in applications where a conformal, flexible, and low-cost active surface is required especially in challenging environments.
This project will equip the candidate with transferable skills in microsystems, energy systems and wearables that can be utilised in further applications opening to an exciting research career.
Academic Enquiries
This project is supervised by Linzi Dodd. For informal queries, please contact [Email Address Removed]. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please use the email form below to contact Admissions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
- Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
- Applicants cannot apply for this funding if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
Funding Information
The studentship is only available to Home and International students and includes a full stipend at UKRI rates (for 2023/24 full-time study this is £18,622 per year) and full tuition fees. Studentships are also available for applicants who wish to study on a part-time basis (0.6 FTE, stipend £11,173 per year and full tuition fees) in combination with work or personal responsibilities).
Please note: to be classed as a Home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
- have settled status, or
- have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
- have indefinite leave to remain or enter.
If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.
How to Apply
For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/
For applications to be considered for interview, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. RENU23-R/…).
Deadline for applications: 9 July 2023
Start date of course: 1 October 2023
Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our doctoral students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Employer, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers.
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