PhD Study : Net-zero vertical farming

Summary

The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that food production will need to increase by 70% to feed an expected global population of 9 billion in 2050. In the UK, the food supply chains have been a topic under scrutiny lately with the impact of Brexit and coronavirus, particularly around heavy reliance on fresh food imports. Producing large quantities of quality crops year-round using advanced vertical farming methods is becoming increasingly popular as it can reduce the land use requirements for cropland and be less affected by environmental conditions. Vertical farming is an innovative agricultural approach where food crops are grown indoors in stacked layers under a controlled environment. Indoor vertical farming is considered to be a climate-resilient method that allows for repeatable and programmable crop production.

Vertical Farming offers many solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing agriculture. However, vertical farming is an energy-intensive operation and requires a significant amount of electrical and thermal energy demand which is a critical challenge from both the economic and sustainability points of view. Therefore, there is a growing interest in the application of renewable resources such as solar photovoltaic technologies for vertical farming.

The main theme of the PhD research project is to design and develop a climate-smart net-zero vertical farm based on a circular-economic approach. The study would involve both experimental and theoretical analysis.

The proposed project could be based on the following design concepts

• Use  of renewable energy technologies to cover electricity and heating demands
• Electrical  and thermal energy storage during cloudy periods and at night
• Grid  connection for surplus export
• Use  of waste heat to enhance healthy growing conditions of the plants
• Smart  control techniques to optimise indoor conditions
• Energy  efficient lighting usage

The applicant will need to have a solid science, engineering or technology background to be able to carry out the research project. A minimum of 2:1 (or equivalent) undergraduate qualification in one of these disciplines is required. A relevant Master’s level qualification and/or experience in International Development would be advantageous.

The successful applicant will be required to be competent across a diverse range of disciplines including engineering design, computation analysis, experimental evaluation and fabrication and assembly techniques, directly drawing on the wide range of knowledge and skill sets available at Ulster.

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:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

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.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• 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.

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