PhD Studentship: Wave energy harvesting systems for Maritime Robotic Systems

Supervisory Team: N.C. Townsend and A.Murphy

PhD Supervisor: N.C. Townsend

Project description:

In this PhD project you will explore novel wave energy harvesting approaches for autonomous ocean robotic systems, such as ASVs and AUVs. These systems are a key enabling technology for the blue economy. However, realising systems that can operate and provide a persistence presence in remote, extreme environments, without emissions, has proved challenging. Currently, to perform tasks these robotic systems are required to either carry sufficient on-board energy supplies for entire missions, limiting endurance or range. Or require periodical recharging (and redeployment) from an expensive, dedicated host platform or support vessel.

In this PhD you will have the opportunity to research and devise wave energy harvesting systems, control strategies and modelling approaches. The ambition to extend the state of art from small scale sensor networks (nW’s to mW’s), towards a vehicular scale (W’s to kW’s) and self-sustainable systems.  Ultimately, reducing the costs associated with exploration of remote, extreme maritime environments by realising self-powered robotic systems which recover the ambient wave power without emissions.

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre.

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. This project is suitable for applicants with a strong mathematical background. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.

To discuss aspect related to the CISDnS CDT please contact the directorate, Email cisdns@soton.ac.uk . To discuss project-related details please contact nick@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in a discipline with strong quantitative background (e.g., maritime engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, mathematics, physics, electrical engineering).

Closing date: 31^st July 2025.

Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (2024-25)”

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor N.C. Townsend

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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