About the Project
Applications are invited for a research studentship in the field of electric vehicle battery charging, leading to the award of a PhD degree. The post is supported by a bursary and fees (at the UK/EU student rate only) and is fully sponsored by Shell. The studentship is for three and a half years from September 2018.
In order to fully develop a business centred on recharging electric vehicles (EVs), Shell needs to understand the impact on battery life of fast and ultra-fast charging profiles, and of state-of-charge whilst at rest. These will allow them to develop distinctive customer offerings both to EV users and grid operators who are concerned about the impact of EVs on their ability to balance supply and demand. Important variables include: charge-post power (22-350kW), battery chemistry (e.g., high-quality LiNMC vs LiFePO4), cell architecture (optimised for power vs for energy), cell layout within the pack (series for high voltage vs parallel for high current) and both current- and voltage-profiles as implemented by the charge-post and BMS.
This project will investigate the influence of the above factors on battery degradation, developing predictive models. These models will allow Shell to understand the benefits and risks of alternative charging strategies, and so develop Shell proprietary offerings better focussed on customer needs.
The PhD project is sponsored by the Shell University Technology Centre (UTC) for Fuels and Lubricants, based in the Mechanical Engineering Department of Imperial College, and will take place under the supervision of the Electrochemical Science and Engineering Group (http://www.imperial.ac.uk/electrochem-sci-eng). This group has an international reputation for research excellence and comprises more than 20 PhD students, 10 post-doctoral researchers and 9 academic staff, working in well-equipped laboratories with an extensive range of advanced equipment and computer facilities. The group itself is multi-disciplinary, spanning the departments of Design Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Earth Science and Engineering.
The successful applicant will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who meets the academic requirements for enrolment for the PhD degree at Imperial College London. You will have a background in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Materials, Chemistry, Physics or a related field, and an enquiring and rigorous approach to research, together with a strong intellect and disciplined work habits. Training will be given in battery technology and the relevant investigative techniques. You will become a skilled communicator, comfortable in an international situation. Good team-working, observational and communication skills are essential. The project will involve close collaboration with Shell and you will be expected to visit and communicate with various Shell centres around the world, principally offices in London and laboratory facilities in Germany.
For further details of the post please contact Dr. Billy Wu ([Email Address Removed]), Dr. Michael Parkes ([Email Address Removed]), Dr. Robert Doel ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr. Greg Offer ([Email Address Removed]). Applicants should email an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letter. Suitable candidates will be required to complete an electronic application form available on the Imperial College London website, so their qualifications can be assessed by the College Registry.
Closing date: 1 month from posting
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