PhD Studentship: Two Step Parameter Estimation for Geological Systems

Introduction

Are you eager to tackle real-world industrial challenges? 

This project will develop innovative numerical optimisation schemes to solve a class of industrially important problems in geo-energy systems related to the delivery and storage of large-scale energy. To do this efficiently we need to understand the sedimentary and structural geology of the geological systems, which are typically located several thousand metres below the surface. You will have the challenge of adapting existing numerical optimisation algorithms or to the development of new algorithms tailored to the specific problem. You will also gain skills in the mathematical modelling of geological systems, their simulation and how uncertainty is quantified and incorporated into the modelling process. You could take these skills and apply them as a mathematical modeler in the geosciences or to solve inverse problems in other industries. 

Project details

Geo-energy systems have been and will continue to be important in the delivery and storage of large-scale energy. We will need to access geothermal energy, to store large volumes of hydrogen to supply the demand for winter heating, to store CO2 from industrial processes that cannot be decarbonised and over the next few decades to produce from existing hydrocarbon reservoirs. To manage geo-energy systems, one needs to understand the geology which controls the fluid transport properties, such as porosity and permeability. This understanding is reached by comparing the predicted response of possible geologies to the measured response.

The traditional one-step approach is to create a realistic geology, predict the response using a simulator and compare the result to the measurements. This process is iterated using numerical optimization algorithms. This is an expensive problem both in terms of the time taken and the cost of the simulations. In this project we are proposing to use a two-step approach using separate algorithms. First, identify the rock transport properties necessary to match the measured flows, without being constrained by the geology. Then to identify the geology that can reproduce the rock transport properties. This approach is expected to reduce the number of simulations needed and the total time and cost required to identify a solution. 

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Additional requirements

We are looking for a candidate with strong numerical reasoning skills, ideally from a background in mathematics or physics, and a good grasp of Python programming. Don't worry if you lack specific subject matter expertise; you can acquire these skills during the programme.

How to apply

To find out more about the project, please contact Jonathan Carter.

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 500 words supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.

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