Optimization of hybrid heavy-duty diesel vehicle running on biofuels from waste resources.

Reference Number: OA-2018-1-PhD

Project Summary:
In achieving an ultra-low carbon environment, the UK and other countries have proposed a future ban on vehicles operating solely on internal combustion engines (ICE). In meeting up with power requirements, there will be prospects for hybrid heavy-duty vehicles that will combine electric drives with ICE running on biofuels.

Specific Requirements of the Project

The applicant is expected to have a B.Eng. with First Class or MEng/MSc. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Aeronautical/Automotive Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering and Physics. It would be highly desirable for the applicant to have understanding of Internal combustion engines, Computational Fluid Dynamics, MATLAB programming and other optimization software.

Project Aims and Objectives

The aim of the research is to use selected mathematical and optimization models to investigate energy utilization and consumption of hybrid heavy-duty diesel vehicles running on biofuels from waste resources such as food from restaurants and agricultural residues.
The specific objectives (SO) are;

SO1. To investigate different architectures of diesel hybrid drives running on selected biofuels.
SO2 To evaluate the fuel economy of hybrid vehicles running on selected biofuels.
SO3. To investigate battery state-of-charge (SOC) of hybrid drives running on selected biofuels using selected
optimization models.
SO4. To validate simulation results with experimental data.
SO5. To share and disseminate knowledge acquired through journals, conference proceedings and
open day programmes.

Project is open to: Home/EU and overseas

Informal enquiries can be made to
Dr. Olawole Kuti
[Email Address Removed]
01612476281