Research Fellow in Flow Battery System Development

Full Time Fixed Term for 12 months

The University of Southampton are seeking to appoint a fixed term research fellow to facilitate and deliver a programme of research on a Faraday Institution funded project:  SL2FBat - Sustainable Low-cost Soluble Lead Flow Battery.

The Soluble Lead Flow Battery (SLFB) is a potentially cost-competitive, robust alternative to lithium ion for static storage applications. The SL2FBat project addresses remaining barriers to commercialisation by manufacturing and operating a containerised system with increased power and capacity (10 kW, 20 kWh) in Nepal. Prototype performance will be characterised under real-world conditions to verify system operation against targets and demonstrate the reliability of the technology for use in backup power, grid stabilisation, and renewable energy integration applications. This role will contribute to the project by:

• Refining the flow battery design for manufacture and installation in Nepal
• Developing the control system/BMS for integration with a wider energy management system (EMS)
• Developing a procedure for local manufacture of electrolyte
• Analysis and publication of data from the installed battery 

The successful candidate will work in collaboration with SOLead Energy, a university Spin-out and two further industry partners. Swanbarton is a leading R&D consultancy in smart microgrid controls. They will integrate and validate the SLFB battery management system with the Swanbarton energy management system, allowing the rapid incorporation of SLFBs into future microgrids. Gham Power is a solar power company that has deployed over 4,000 projects including in remote areas in the Himalayas. The company will host the battery demonstrator at its premises in Kathmandu.

You will be an applied engineer, battery technologist or materials scientist who holds a PhD degree (or equivalent professional qualification) or has submitted a PhD thesis with evidence-supported experience of battery research. Knowledge of flow batteries, battery testing, battery control and integration are sought.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

You will join a large and friendly Mechanical Engineering department and work within the Energy Technology Research Group.

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity.

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