Project Description:
The project will focus on robust optimisation of the geometry of stormwater treatment devices using a combination of Bayesian optimisation and CFD simulation.
Stormwater treatment devices typically improve water quality via a combination of settling and filtration of solid material and sorption of dissolved pollutants. The University of Exeter and Hydro International have previously developed methods for simulating and optimising water treatment systems using CFD and Bayesian optimisation, but this has been limited to optimisation for single scenarios or flow-rates (not robust optimisation).
Stormwater treatment device assessment protocols often require that systems are evaluated for a number of flow-rates, representing a range of different rainfall intensities, and may even consider different pollutant types (settable sediments, microplastics, oil or dissolved metals or nutrients). Examples of such stormwater assessment protocols are NJCAT (USA), DiBT (Germany), VSA (Switzerland) and British Water (UK). To maximise treatment device efficacy, pollutant removal must be maximised at all flow-rates as well as preventing washout of captured pollutants. This will form the basis of a robust optimisation scenario.
The anticipated outcomes of the project are optimised geometries for stormwater treatment devices that give improved pollutant removal performance against specific assessment protocols. This will required adaptations to the Bayesian optimisation and CFD modelling approaches to make them suitable for this application and robust optimisation scenarios.
This award provides annual funding to cover Home or International tuition fees and a tax-free stipend.
The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 3.5 years of full-time study to commence on 25 September 2023. The collaboration with the named project partner is subject to contract. Please note full details of the project partner’s contribution and involvement with the project is still to be confirmed and may change during the course of contract negotiations. Full details will be confirmed at offer stage.
International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD.
The conditions for eligibility of home fees status are complex and you will need to seek advice if you have moved to or from the UK (or Republic of Ireland) within the past 3 years or have applied for settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
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