PhD Study : New generation of inherently safer composite tanks for hydrogen storage

Summary

The inherently safer fuelling of a hydrogen storage container is a challenging problem. Independent on a container design the regulation requires: temperature inside doesn’t exceed 85 C, pressure does not exceed 1.25 of Nominal Working Pressure, i.e. 87.5 MPa for 70 MPa onboard storage tanks, and the State of Charge does not exceed 100%. The consumer expectations include the fuelling time within 3 min (longer for busses). The problem of fuelling control is complicated by changing pressure and temperature inside the tank and at inlet, conjugate heat transfer from/to hydrogen through a piping system and a tank wall to/from the ambience, etc.

One aim of this doctoral study is development and validation of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and reduced models for better understanding and reproduction of underlying physical phenomena of hydrogen tank fuelling (both onboard and stationary). The models should be used for prediction of thermal behaviour of different systems “hydrogen storage at refuelling site – piping system – dispenser – hydrogen storage tank – atmosphere” during fuelling.

The results of research will be used for the establishment of inherently safer and automated hydrogen fuelling protocol for light- and heavy-duty vehicles.                                                                                               Compressed gas energy storage technologies are widely used in different areas of our life. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), Compressed Gaseous Hydrogen (CGH2) vehicles and buses are hitting the roads. Safety is of paramount importance for compressed gas storage systems and infrastructure.

The main unresolved issue facing the compressed gas energy storage sector is a catastrophic rupture of lightweight composite pressure vessel (CPV) in a fire. Fire resistance rating (FRR) of today’s CPV, i.e. time in a fire before rupture, is only 3-12 min. Catastrophic rupture of CPV in a fire is a serious threat to life and property.

This project aims to further develop and validate the breakthrough leak-no-burst (LNB) safety technology for prevention of CPV catastrophic rupture in a fire, and thus eliminate hazards and associated risks from disastrous blast wave, fireball, and projectiles (Ulster’s IP “Composite Pressure Vessel for Hydrogen Storage”, 14.02.17).

This research is strongly linked from the beginning with industry, both directly and through standard development organisations (ISO, CEN) and regulators (UN GTR#13 IWG SGS). The aim will be achieved through: performing hazard/risk analysis; case studies analysis; accident scenarios development; measuring material properties; model development; validation tests; recommendations for the update of Regulations, Codes and Standards.

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