Eco-Innovation Cheshire and Warrington Industry Collaboration: Developing Machine Learning approach for Industrial Process Control System Diagnostics and Tuning.

The Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering is seeking to appoint a PhD student to conduct research for Eco-Innovation Cheshire and Warrington Industry Collaboration programme. Part funded by ERDF.

Background
Spiro Control is an agile technology firm with vast expertise in process optimisation and process control. Spiro Control works with clients in a range of industry sectors including oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical, and energy. The proposed innovation will enable Spiro Control’s customers to improve the operational efficiency and reliability of their processes; this will, in turn, result in a significant environmental benefit.

In this project, you will apply machine learning techniques to improve the monitoring, diagnostics, and tuning of control loops. Machine learning algorithms with data regression and classification techniques will be developed. The machine learning algorithms will be trained, validated and tested by using simulated and real industrial data sets. The methods developed will be applied to both single and multivariable control systems to optimise their controllability and energy performance.

Summary of research tasks and work programme
1. Control loop monitoring and diagnostics
2. Control loop tuning expert
3. Multivariable control system application

Skills and knowledge
1. Knowledge of data analysis/processing, mathematical modelling, computer programming and simulation is required
2. Strong communication skills, written and verbal, together with good project management skills are essential
3. Good knowledge of both machine learning and control systems would be advantageous

Qualifications:

First degree (2:1 or above) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering or Mathematics (essential).

A relevant Masters degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering or Mathematics (desirable).

You will be a motivated and dynamic person, with a demonstrable capability to conduct independent research.

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band or equivalent.

Funding

This MPhil/PhD attracts a tax exempt stipend of £15,000 per annum. Post graduate fees are funded for UK/EU based students. International students will be required to make an additional contribution to their post graduate fees.

Application process

A completed University of Chester Postgraduate Research Degree (MPhil/PhD) application form including contact details of two referees (at least one must be familiar with your most recent academic work).

Candidates should apply online via the University of Chester website page https://www.chester.ac.uk/research/degrees/studentships and specify their reference number when applying. The reference number is: RA001800

Availability for interview

Please be available for interview during the week of the 31st July 2017 and during the week of the 21st August 2017. Exact time and date to be agreed.

Further information

Prospective applicants are encouraged to initially contact Dr Yanting Hu ([Email Address Removed]), Tel. 01244 512318 to discuss the project further. For general enquiries contact Postgraduate Research Admissions, University of Chester at [Email Address Removed]

Closing date: 17th July 2017