About the Project
Eligibility: UK/EU/International
Award Details: £15,000 bursary plus tuition fees
Duration: Full Time - 3 years 6 months fixed term
Application deadline: This opportunity will only remain open until a suitable candidate is identified- early application is therefore advised. Standard University research application closing dates apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
Informal enquiries are essential before application; contact Dr. Jonathan Nixon to discuss this opportunity ([Email Address Removed])
As an ambitious and innovative University, we’re investing an initial £100m into our new research strategy, ‘Excellence with Impact’: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/about-research-at-coventry/
Through original approaches from world-leading experts, we’re aiming for our research to make a tangible difference to the way we live. As a research student you are an integral part of Coventry’s lively and diverse research community and contribute to our reputation for excellence. With our exceptional facilities and superb support mechanisms you are afforded every opportunity for academic success: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/research-studentships-the-benefits/
The Project
Designing concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) systems is difficult as they are complex optical and heat exchanger systems. Solar collectors comprise a concentrator and receiver. Different mirror numbers, widths, spacing and curvatures can be used for the concentrator and receiver sizing impacts thermal performance and optical efficiency. The flow characteristics and temperature of a heat transfer fluid inside the receiver and over an entire solar field influence collector and system efficiencies. There are also numerous design choices for coupled storage and steam cycle systems. Research is therefore needed on a method for design optimisation that takes into account the concentrator-receiver design, coupled power block and annual meteorological conditions.
Mathematical optimisation methods for renewable energy systems have been widely used, but their application to CSP systems is limited. The aim of this project is to develop an approach for optimising the detailed design of CSP systems for power generation by using mathematical programming techniques.
This will involve you determining suitable decision variables, constraints and objectives, and devising alternative transient simulation and optimisation models. The work will inform future design and operational decisions of CSP systems, which will improve the viability of high temperature solar thermal systems by making them more cost-competitive.
Based within the Centre for Flow Measurement and Fluid Mechanics, you will be supervised by Dr Jonathan Nixon who has worked on solar thermal technologies for several years and been involved in numerous renewable energy optimisation research projects. He is also the course director for our Renewable Energy Engineering MSc.
About the Centre/Department
The Flow Measurement and Fluid Mechanics Faculty Research Centre (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/areas-of-research/centre-for-flow-measurement-fluid-mechanics/) undertakes fundamental and applied research into industrially-relevant complex flows including:
Smart Pipes, Vessels and Advanced Sensors
Process Tomography and Process Nowcasting
Fluid Mechanics of Complex Flows
Advanced Computing
Clean Combustion
Reservoir modelling
Flow measurement is an integral and vital part of many industrial processes. Plant control, product quality and safety systems are often underpinned by the need to measure flows of liquids, gases and solids. Trade of fuels, industrial feedstock and chemical products relies on accurate measurement of flow. Flow measurement is an essential element of all modern industrial societies.
Successful Applicants
Successful applicants will have:
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average, or
- A Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).
- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study
- Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).
Additionally:
Knowledge and experience of solar energy, heat transfer, optics or mathematical programming is highly desirable, but not essential.
A good knowledge of renewable energy and sustainability is expected.
Experience in one or more of the following areas is also desirable: energy systems modelling and optimisation, MATLAB, Mathematica, ray-tracing, multi-criteria/objective decision making, and decision support systems.
Eligibility & Application Procedure
Application Procedure:
Application information can be found in our how to apply section. Before completing the application please contact Dr. Jonathan Nixon - [Email Address Removed] (cc'ing [Email Address Removed] when you do) for an initial informal discussion about the opportunity.
Eligibility:
All UK/EU students are eligible to apply that meet the academic requirements, the eligibility criteria can be found making an application page: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/making-an-application/
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