In this project we will follow a holistic approach that includes experimentation, modelling, design optimisation, and techno-economic analysis to develop intensified technologies based on particle solar receivers (PSR) and fill existing research gaps.
Department/School
School of Chemistry and Chemical Process Engineering
Projects Description
The move to a cleaner economic growth – through renewable technologies and efficient use of resources – is one of the greatest industrial challenges of modern time. For the targets of net-zero economy to be reached, renewable energy sources such as solar power must extensively be used in the energy mix. The main challenges for bigger adoption are energy discontinuity, low thermal efficiency and energy density, and installation costs. One of the most promising technological routes for solar power generation is the integration of concentrated solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) systems, where thermoelectric conversion units are used to convert thermal radiation to electricity. The solar receiver is the key component of a thermal power generation system, whilst the integration of solid particles (particle solar receiver) will help to overcome current limitations and reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
In this project we will follow a holistic approach that includes experimentation, modelling, design optimisation, and techno-economic analysis to develop intensified technologies based on particle solar receivers (PSR) and fill existing research gaps. The first objective will be to build a comprehensive understanding of key aspects in multi-phase flow phenomena that take place in the PSR. Various thermal energy storage materials will be tested and evaluated. The second objective will involve numerical simulations that provide effective information and feed back into design and experimentation, and the techno-economic analysis. The CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) models will be able to capture key features of the flow structures and mechanisms at different scales, considering the impact of particles size distribution. Finally, scale-up aspects will be studied and further enabled by techno-economic models that will compare different receiver designs. The analysis will consider key parameters simultaneously to evaluate the technical feasibility and the economic incentives of the technology.
The supervisory team has expertise in all aspects of the defined project and will help to alleviate barriers such as low awareness of technical risks, quality requirements and interdependencies. The research fits perfectly well with the University’s research strategy in the field of sustainability and clean energy.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD programme page ,but please note the closing date for this studentship is Friday 6th January 2023. In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the projects (up to 2) that you wish to apply for and the name(s) of the relevant supervisor. You must upload your full CV and any transcripts of previous academic qualifications. You should enter ’Faculty Funded Competition’ under funding type.
Funding
The studentship will provide a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £17,668 for 2022/23) and tuition fees for 3.5 years. An additional bursary of £1700 per annum for the duration of the studentship will be offered to exceptional candidates.
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