PhD Study : Nanoparticles based Solar Energy and Energy Storage (Nano_SEES) System

Summary

Renewable energy, especially solar energy (heat and electricity) and energy storage (SEES) has a great potential to address issues of energy security, access, affordability and a climate change. SEES systems are widely used in various combination in developing countries for different applications. Such systems have great potential in remote location and in agricultural sector of developing countries. However, it possesses some limitation in terms of efficient heat transfer and hence possess challenges of size, weight, efficiency and cost.

The proposed project focuses on the development of nanoparticles and novel multi-component nanofluids as a novelty, and a less investigated area of research. Nanoparticles will be used to enhance heat transfer and/or coating medium to increase heat transfer in SEES system. The challenge will be to create novel nanofluids which will absorb across most of the solar spectrum while remaining chemically and mechanically stable. Understanding thermal properties at the nanoscale is still very limited and this project aims to advance significantly in understanding such important phenomena for SEES system.

The project will operate in three stages.

First stage (year 1) of the project will focus on nanoparticle and nanofluid review, selection, synthesis and characterisation for the proposed application. For nanoparticle characterisation and synthesis purpose, facilities available at NIBEC will be used.

Second stage (year 2) will focus on Nano_SEES system design, size, selection and experimental facility development for an agricultural (e.g. drying) sector and/or remote area in developing countries (e.g. Africa, India). For Nano_SEES prototype development and testing, indoor and outdoor facilities at Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST) will be used.

Third stage (year 3) will focus on experiments on Nano_SEES prototype and simulation of system performance in different climatic conditions using validated model. In addition, techno-economic and analysis will be carried out for various locations considering footprint, cost and efficiency. For simulation and techno-economic analysis purposes software tools (e.g.TRNSYS, Matlab) available at CST will be used.

In order to support technical and/or social/commercial side of project work existing links of CST and NIBEC with industry, universities and research organisation will be used to get data (also for field trials) and to procure materials/components (e.g. nanoparticles). The outcome of the project will provide potential for enhanced heat transfer for Solar thermal/PV and energy storage system. This will result in reduced system size, weight and capital cost with increased system efficiency.

The proposed project is well aligned with theme of “Sustainability” as it addresses issues of energy access, affordable energy and environment. In addition, overall impact of the project would also address “Social renewal” theme by empowering population involved in agricultural sector of developing countries. The project holds great potential for impact for agricultural/remote are of developing countries as it will enhance energy access due to small system size that can be easily transported, managed and maintained locally for agricultural and domestic application. This will result in agricultural output, employment and safety.

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