Integration of concentrated solar power and liquid air energy storage

The University of Birmingham and the University of Melbourne are offering this joint PhD co-funded by both institutions providing the opportunity to study alongside world-leading academics in Birmingham and Melbourne.

Many forms of renewable energy supply are intermittent, relying on storage or backup to provide uninterrupted power. Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) is of particular interest in countries which have high levels of solar insolation (eg Australia).

In this project we will examine the integration of solar thermal power with liquid air energy storage (LAES) to understand the technical and economic opportunities which this hybrid system brings. LAES is an interesting option for CSP as it is a mid to large scale energy storage technology, ideally matched to the mid range (~100MW) size of concentrated solar power generation systems.

The entry requirements for the Birmingham/Melbourne Joint PhD are either:
• An upper second-class four-year honours undergraduate degree in a relevant subject
• An MSc/MRes in a relevant subject

Applications are made online at the University of Birmingham website. Click on ‘Apply online’ via the FindAPhD project entry below or on the relevant University course finder page and you will be taken to the University of Birmingham Postgraduate application system. Within the application, at the Programmes open for Admission page, please select ‘EPS/University of Melbourne Joint PhD 3.5 years’. Please detail the supervisor and project title under the Research Information section of the application form. Applications should include a statement of research interests. Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors informally to discuss the project.