[UK] Postgraduate Opportunities - Newcastle University
EPSRC PhD Studentship - Biofuel Micro-Trigeneration with Cryogenic Energy Storage
Postgraduate Opportunities Newcastle University
- Supervisor (s): Professor Tony Roskilly, Dr Yaodong Wang
- Institute: Sir Joseph Swan Institute
- Sponsor: EPSRC
- Duration: 3 years
Project Description
The exciting research project is concerned with developing a trigeneration system (electricity, heating and cooling) which can be used in the domestic environment or scaled up to be used in larger, industrial based environments.
The system would allow these energy forms to be converted locally, where needed, using renewable fuels (biofuels) and integrated with a novel energy storage and control/optimisation system for high efficiency operation. An engine driven alternator will be used to satisfy electrical demand and waste heat from the engine will be used to supply heating and hot water. The waste heat would also be utilised to drive an absorption refrigeration system. Off peak electricity energy generated but not used will be stored in the electrical storage system. The project will link together specialised personnel in the UK and China who have the critical expertise necessary to bring together all aspects of this challenging project.
Two EPSRC PhD studentships are available. The first studentship (SW001) will research the performance of a trigeneration system based on a diesel engine driven alternator, including investigating the use of biofuels, design and testing of the trigeneration heating system; testing of an absorption refrigeration system; and the integration and testing of the complete Biofuel Micro-Trigeneration with Cryogenic Energy Storage (BMT-CES) system.
The second studentship (SW002) will research the development of an advanced control and optimisation system for energy management which will interface with the trigeneration and energy storage system to monitor, predict and control electrical, heating and cooling loads so that the complete Biofuel Micro-Trigeneration with Cryogenic Energy Storage (BMT-CES) system can operate in a stable and highly efficient manner.
Value of the Award and Eligibility
The studentships are available for three years and cover fees at the UK/EU rate and a stipend matched to the minimum Research Council recommended stipend (£12,940 in 2008-09). UK, EU and international candidates may apply. However, international students will be expected to pay the difference between UK/EU and international fees (currently approximately £8,000 per annum and subject to increase) and have an English Language Qualification of not less than IELTS 7.0 or equivalent.
Person specification
We are seeking two highly motivated postgraduate research students.
For the first post (SW001) we require an individual with a good degree (first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree) in engineering (mechanical, energy, chemical or related disciplines). A higher postgraduate (MSc) degree is desirable. The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of IC engines and/or absorption refrigeration cycle and a solid understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer; good numerical and experimental skills are essential.
For the second post (SW002), we require a good Honours degree (first-class or upper-second-class Honours degree) in engineering (electrical, control, mechanical or related disciplines). A higher postgraduate (MSc) degree is desirable. The ideal candidate will have a good working knowledge of data/signal acquisition and analysis; automatic control of machines or devices; good numerical and experimental skills are essential.
How to apply
You must complete the University’s postgraduate application form (www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply), quoting the reference number SW001 or SW002 and attaching a copy of your CV and covering letter. Please select ‘Doctor of Philosophy Sir Joseph Swan Institute for Energy Research(full-time) 2008/2009’ as your programme of study.
Closing date: 30 June 2008
Further information
Please contact
Professor Tony Roskilly
tel: +44 (0) 191 222 5689,
tony.roskilly@ncl.ac.uk
or
Dr Yaodong Wang
tel: +44 (0) 191 246 4934,
y.d.wang@ncl.ac.uk
Funding information
Funding applies to: Open to applicants from a range of countries
