PhD Study : Safety of liquid and cryogenic hydrogen in energy applications

Summary

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) is the most efficient way to transport hydrogen to destination at the initial stage of deployment of hydrogen systems and infrastructure when dedicated pipelines are not yet available. The development of innovative safety strategies and engineering solutions for LH2 systems and storage infrastructure requires understanding of underlying physical phenomena, development and validation of contemporary (CFD) and reduced engineering models and tools for safety design. The models and engineering solutions to prevent and mitigate incidents involving LH2 systems and infrastructure have to be developed further.

Research areas include but not limited to the following phenomena: cryogenic and multiphase release and dispersion from LH2 storage system in the open atmosphere and confined spaces; mitigation of pressure and thermal hazards from releases of cryo-compressed hydrogen (CCH2); conditions for explosion in LH2 spills; rupture, pressure and thermal effects after LH2 tank rupture in a fire including BLEVE; etc.

The suitability of available hydrogen safety engineering tools for assessment of LH2 storage safety, including in conditions of flight, should be critically analysed. New analytical tools and numerical models for assessment of consequences for LH2 and cryogenic hydrogen storage should be developed based on an improved understanding of the underlying physics. The developed models must be validated against experimental data that was obtained within EU pre-normative research project PRESLHY and other national projects.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

This scholarship will cover full-time PhD tuition fees and provide the recipient with £15,840 (tbc) maintenance grant per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). This scholarship is available to UK, EU and overseas applicants.