Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3-year full-time or 6-year part time PhD project.
The PhD will be based in the School of Mechanical and Design Engineering and will be supervised by Dr James Buick and Dr Jovana Radulovic.
The work on this project could involve:
- Numerical modelling and simulation
- Energy systems design and energy analysis
- Optimisation and applications
Project description
World-wide energy demand is increasing by the minute. The need for diversification of the energy production systems is additionally augmented by conventional power systems being gradually phased out due to more stringent limits on carbon emissions. Energy storage technologies have great potential for supporting renewable energy systems as they can be deployed at different scales.
This project aims to evaluate existing and novel energy storage devices, and establish optimal storage methods for use with renewable generation technologies. Computational and mathematical tools will be utilised to model various energy systems, optimise their operation and design energy storage structures. Liquid Air Energy Devices (LAED), Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES), Pumped Heat Energy Storage (PHES) and thermal storage, such as phase change materials will be investigated, as well as their suitability to be incorporated in smart grids and power electronics.
The initial stage of the project will involve developing a database of suitable storage technologies including both existing approaches and novel solutions. The mathematical modelling will build-up from the fundamental processes within the storage device and coupling them together to provide a full model of the storage solution. Simulations will be run to establish the performance of the storage in a range of typical operating conditions and optimise the geometry, flow and thermodynamic parameters and operating materials.
The optimal storage solutions developed in this project will not only pave the way for a further roll out of carbon-free electricity generation in the future, but will, in the future, also open up exciting opportunities to design, build and commercialise the storage technologies in collaboration with local businesses in the region.
You will have an opportunity to work with alongside team of experts, passionate about tackling energy challenges that industry and society are facing nowadays and develop new solutions and skills to benefit all.
General admissions criteria
You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications. English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
Specific candidate requirements
You should be fluent in numerical methods and/or programming. Strong background in thermodynamics and computational modelling is desirable.
How to Apply
We encourage you to contact Dr James Buick ([Email Address Removed]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code below.
When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Mechanical and Design Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV. Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.
When applying please quote project code:SMDE6111023
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