PhD Study : Study and development of retrofit- low cost mobile energy storage (ReLoMes) system

Summary

Drives towards 100% renewable share in energy system clearly emphasis role of energy storage from grid scale to user level. However, energy resources (e.g. wind/PV) may not produce energy at the time of demand nor the location favours the demand centre. For example, distributed energy resource such as wind (site location in remote place), industry (waste heat), bioenergy, waste energy is not in close proximity to energy demand centres (houses, leisure centres, industrial complex).

In such cases electrical energy must be transmitted or distributed using existing network which would require significant investment to upgrade it if 100% renewable electricity scenario is achieved. The project  is to develop low cost mobile energy system which can be charged using the energy (electrical/heat) at source (e.g. landfill engine, industrial waste heat and wind power) and transport it to nearby demand centre.

Main study will be focused on three aspect: energy storage material selection, sizing and retrofit mobile system. There is limited study in the area and outcome/solutions are expensive. Hence, goal of the project is to find low cost and retrofit solution which can be meet local market needs and materials/manufacturing and skill set which can be sourced locally, for example, Northern Ireland.

The project will be carried out with inputs from local industries (e.g B9 energy and Caterpillar). During first year of the project, extensive literature review and data gather activity will provide enough information about energy storage sizing, material, local/transport legislation and existing mobile vehicle/carrier that can be used for the project. Second year of the project will focus theoretical calculation/simulation and laboratory scale experiment with storage material and container size etc. Third year of the project will focus on the actual retrofit storage solution calculation and development with further experiment and economics calculation.

The outcome of the study would help to solve the mismatch between energy source and energy demand cluster and hence, making energy system more efficient by using waste/curtailed energy. In addition, it would help to ensure security of supply and alleviate fuel poverty in off gas network area. If the technology implemented with economics and business model, then it would help to create local jobs and new mobile energy distribution industry for Northern Ireland. This will clearly emphasis Ulster University’s commitment to local industry and society as a Civic university. Proper implementation and modification of the technology concept would help to replicate in another local climate (country) needs and which makes RELOMES concept widely acceptable.

The knowledge, expertise and resources available at Centre for Suitable technologies through past and current projects on energy storage (SPIRE, i-STUTE, Lot-NET) would help to deliver the project in efficient manner in terms of resources and supports. Existing lab facilities at CST such as test house, calorimeter, Julabo and environmental chamber will be used to carry out study for the project.

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:

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