Elsewhere on Ulster
This project is funded by:
Meeting future energy demands requires efficient, low-carbon systems capable of storing and releasing heat when needed.
This PhD project aims to develop next-generation latent heat thermal batteries capable of rapid charging and discharging, with potential applications across renewable energy systems, building heating and cooling networks, data centres, and industrial waste-heat recovery.
The research will employ numerical simulation to optimise heat flow within thermal batteries and to design compact heat-exchanger structures that enhance thermal conductivity and temperature uniformity.
The study will include a detailed evaluation of geometric and material parameters influencing charging and discharging performance to identify configurations that maximise energy efficiency and heat-transfer rates.
A key aspect of the work involves investigating high thermal-conductivity materials, including advanced polymers and phase-change material (PCM) composites, to reduce system weight and corrosion while maintaining strong thermal performance.
Where appropriate, small-scale laboratory tests will be conducted to measure thermophysical properties and validate the simulation results, ensuring that the modelling framework accurately represents real-world behaviour.
This project offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to contribute to the global transition toward net-zero energy systems.
The successful applicant will gain experience in thermal system design, numerical modelling, and energy materials, developing skills highly sought after in the renewable energy, energy-storage, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
Applicants should have a good background in mechanical, energy, or related engineering disciplines, with knowledge of thermal-fluid sciences, and be familiar with or willing to learn computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and computer-aided design (CAD) software.
They should also be prepared to engage in both computational analysis and experimental testing as required.
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
This project is funded by:
Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000 (approximately) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.
These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.
Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.
*Part time PhD scholarships may be available to home candidates, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.
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Submission deadline
Friday 27 February 2026
04:00PM
Interview Date
March 2026
Preferred student start date
14th September 2026
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