PhD Studentship: Formula Student Electric Powertrain Design and Optimisation

Start date:  September 2024 (Home/EU students and International)

Interview Date: Thursday 13 June

PhD Formula Student Electric Powertrain Design and Optimisation

The Faculty of Technology Design and Environment at Oxford Brookes University is pleased to offer a 3.5 year full-time PhD studentship to a new student commencing in 2024.  The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Prof Denise Morrey and the HVES Group, and with Gordana Collier and the Oxford Brookes Racing Formula Student Team.

For information about the Oxford Brookes Racing Team, see: https://oxfordbrookesracing.wixsite.com/obr-formula-student.

The Formula Student Team has been very successful in the competition, using an ICE based powertrain for two decades. For the competition in the last three years, the team has moved to an advanced electric powertrain-based solution to align with the current trends in Europe. The solution utilises in-hub motors for a high performance four-wheel drive racing car.

The current electric powertrain relies on off the shelf motors and inverters. This project aims to develop and improve the powertrain through consideration of battery and pack design, the interaction between inverter technology, control, and HV architecture integration. The current motor, inverters and controllers do not account for interactions between sub-systems and, as a result, key attributes such as efficiency do not reach the full potential available within the chosen envelope of hardware and controls.

In addition, the student will become a key member of the Formula Student Team, taking on the role of Project Manager, working closely with the Team Leads.

Requirements

We are looking to recruit a candidate of the highest quality who is capable of submitting a PhD thesis within 3.5 years. Applicants would be expected to have a good relevant Engineering degree. They should be able to demonstrate strong research capabilities, good industrial experience, and be fluent in spoken and written English.

The selection criteria will focus on academic excellence, suitability of research experience, industrial and skills, subject knowledge and references.

Application Process

To apply for this studentship please see the submission instructions on our website: https://sites.google.com/brookes.ac.uk/tde-research/studentships-how-to-apply?authuser=0

When completing your application Online via https://sites.google.com/brookes.ac.uk/tde-research/studentships-how-to-apply?authuser=0  - please note the following:

Title:  “PhD Formula Student Electric Powertrain Design and Optimisation”.

Fully completed applications should be submitted, by 5.00 pm on 7th June 2024. As part of the application process you must submit your CV, along with a project proposal for your PhD (2 page maximum). Please be advised that the selection process will involve an interview.

Enquiries: Dominic Maitland: dmaitland@brookes.ac.uk.

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