PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero Low GWP working fluids for Thermosyphons

Award Summary

The studentship provides 100% fees (Home & international), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £19,237 (2024/25 UKRI rate), and a research training support grant of £20,000. 

Overview

This PhD project will investigate the use of low GWP working fluids for Thermosyphons. Thermosyphons are a high efficiency cooling solution employed in various applications, ranging from green power generation to the cooling of high powered electronics. They are a passive device: in the most basic form they consist of an evacuated sealed tube which is partially filled with a working fluid. The working fluid evaporates at the bottom when subjected to a thermal load, and condenses at the top end. Hence, heat is transferred from source to sink without the need of external pumping at very high transport rates, dictated by two-phase heat transfer at both ends of the pipe.  

Developments in working fluids for thermosyphons has stalled in recent years, with high GWP fluids still common place. In this project, the candidate will perform thermodynamic analysis to shortlist and assess a variety of environmentally friendly working fluids (including mixtures) before undertaking rigorous experimental testing to validate the thermodynamic models. This may necessitate the improvement of existing, industry-standard, design models and correlations.  

The project within PINZ CDT is partly funded jointly supervised by Sterling Thermal Technologies Limited. Sterling TT are a UK Heat Exchanger designer and manufacturer serving companies around the glove with high-quality, bespoke heat transfer solutions. They deliver solutions across a range of sectors crucial for Net Zero including renewables and power distribution. Sterling have committed significant funds to the development of a state-of-the-art experimental test rig for this project.  

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: 17th September 2024

Award Duration: 4 years

Application Closing Date: 8th August 2024

Sponsor: EPSRC

Supervisors

Dr. Richard Law 

Prof Adam Harvey  

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemical or mechanical engineering, or a related area). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.  

Home and international applicants (inc. EU) are welcome to apply and if successful will receive a full studentship. Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills.  

International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme.  

For more information about how to apply, please click the 'Apply' button, above.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. 

Contact Details: pinz.cdt@newcastle.ac.uk

Advert information