EPSRC iCASE PhD Studentship in Turbomachinery for Future Energy Systems

Decarbonizing the global economy can only be achieved by reducing the carbon intensity of energy sources. A key to achieving this is reducing the techno-economic barriers to replacing fossil fuel usage with low carbon and renewable sources. Solutions which reduce plant costs, improve plant efficiency, and increase plant flexibility with other energy sources, are key to delivering the UK Net Zero target.

This project addresses this by developing design methods to improve the performance of turbomachines operating with non-conventional or 'advanced' fluids, which can be used to reduce energy demand and improve energy efficiency. These advanced fluids include dense-gases (such as organic vapours) and supercritical fluids (such as super-critical CO2) and are fundamental to low-carbon energy systems using Organic Rankine Cycles and sCO2 cycles. These systems are important for a range of technologies including Heat Recovery and CHP, Carbon Capture, Hydrogen Gas Turbines and Renewables. Advanced fluids can be used as working fluids for heat management systems and to augment the performance of a gas-turbine prime mover. By exploiting the very high-power densities achievable with high pressure advanced fluids, these systems can be relatively compact and therefore minimize overall system cost and size. The project will use high fidelity simulations (Direct Numerical and Large Eddy Simulation) to investigate turbomachinery flows with advanced fluids (such as super-critical CO2).

Applicants should have (or expect to obtain by the start date) at least a good 2.1 degree, preferably at masters level, in an Engineering or related subject. 

EPSRC iCASE studentships are fully-funded (fees and maintenance) for students eligible for Home fees. EU and international students may be considered for a small number of awards at the Home fees rate. Full eligibility criteria can be found via the following link; https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status

Applications should be submitted for the PhD in Engineering via the University of Cambridge Applicant Portal https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egegpdpeg with Professor Andrew Wheeler identified as the potential supervisor.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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