PhD Studentship: Turbo-charger Control using a turbo speed sensor

Turbo-chargers are a central component in modern combustion engines of all sizes. The turbo is typically controlled indirectly with pressure sensors. The University of Sussex has successfully developed a new sensing technology known as the Electro Potential Sensor (EPS) that may be used to measure the speed of the turbo, allowing direct control of the turbo speed. In addition to performance benefits, the EPS is relatively cheap and could be used to replace other sensors.

This project will develop turbo-charger control strategies for the application of the EPS to combustion engines. The project will start with a Simulation phase where control algorithms can be studied in detail, before moving to a test and development phase on the University’s engine test facility where the prototype control algorithms would be developed. The project will address both conventional turbo systems and the new electrically assisted turbo systems.

Applications are invited from Mechanical, Automotive or Aerospace Engineering students with a background in Control, 1D CFD, Turbocharging and Simulation. Experience of using Matlab and Simulink would be highly desirable. The applicant would be expected to carry out both simulation and experimental work.