PhD Study : Performance Study and Validation of the Downdraft Biomass Gasification Process for CHP Plants

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Summary

The world will need increased energy supply in the near future due to the rapid growth of economies. It is greatly desired that fossil fuels can be replaced by biofuels to minimise environmental impact. The main goal of proposed project is to perform a comprehensive performance analysis of the effects of parameters in supply chain management, pre-treatment and conversion of forestry-wood by-products, with a focus on the use of biomass gasification for electricity and heat production.

The activities towards to bioenergy could be:

(1) Process modelling – the student will develop the feedstock supply chain and gasification kinetic models for the integrated biomass gasification CHP system. The models developed (e.g. syngas composition and syngas yield for gasifier operation) will be used to evaluate technical, economic and environmental performance of micro-generation fuelled by biomass in the building sector.

(2) Experimental study and model validation – the student will carry out a series of experimental work and the analyses of selected feedstocks at the range of process conditions and collect pilot test data. Model validation work will be applied by using the test results.

(3) Process integration – the syngas produced by a downdraft gasifier will be then cleaned up and fed to an internal combustion engine/or fuel cells for a combined heat and power application.

(4) Assessment – techno-economic and environmental assessment for the full bioenergy production chain will be carried out.

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.

  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 19 February 2018
12:00AM

Interview Date
12 March 2018

Preferred student start date
mid September 2018

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Ye Huang

Other supervisors