Ultra-low emission technologies in combustion for power generation

Applications are invited for a competitive fully funded PhD Studentship for the year 2018/19 to undertake cutting edge research on ultra-low emission technologies in combustion for power generation. The studentship is sponsored jointly by the EPSRC and RJM-international through DTC in Carbon Capture and Storage, and Cleaner Fossil Energy. The Studentship provides an in-depth four year training programme with a non-taxed stipend of up to £18,000 per year; much higher than a conventional PhD, plus international travel for conferences and attending summer schools held in China, India and South Korea.

The research work will be based in the Energy Engineering Group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which is a part of the Energy 2050 initiative within the University of Sheffield to develop world-leading activity in Energy research. The student will be working within an exciting and dynamic group with approximately 40 researchers undertaking a broad area of energy research with approximately three years’ extensive research time in industry, preparing for high-level careers in the energy sector. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has been a major discipline in the University since its foundation in 1905. The Research Excellence Framework (REF, December 2014) placed the Department within the Top 5 for Mechanical Engineering in the UK.

Potential applicants should have, or are expecting to obtain in the near future, a first class or good 2.1 honours degree in engineering, mathematics, or science. The studentship is open to UK/EU candidates.

RJM-international is a medium sized technology provider offering state-of the-art emission reduction solutions for the power and industrial energy sectors. Our core work is based on emissions reductions, primarily NOx for fossil fuels and fossil fuel replacements such as wood biomass. The projects we get involved with are worldwide and our clients include some of the world’s largest power generators. We are looking for an EngDoc to work on our CFD modelling capability. All our projects are based on detailed engineering analysis and part of that is the use of CFD. As our designs improve (we are currently achieving industry best reductions in NOx) we have got into the position that the CFD codes are struggling to keep up. For instance the modelling of the ultra-low NOx gas burner is problematic as the Fluent code does not handle the flue gas recirculation correctly and seriously under-predicts the NOx. There are several areas where development is needed.

We are looking for someone wanting a career in CFD modelling. The opportunity with RJM will provide the successful candidate an excellent training within a technology led engineering company with world beating products. Feedback from Year-in-Industry under-graduate placement supervisors has praised the opportunity working with RJM. It is highly probable that a successful placement with RJM would lead to a job opportunity.

For further information, please contact Professor Derek B Ingham (phone: 0114 21 57215)