PhD Studentship - Sustainable Energy Strategies for Data Centres: Enhancing Resilience and Net-Zero Integration

Research theme: Net-Zero Energy Strategies for Data Centres

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

Positions available: 1

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded and home and overseas applicants. The successful candidate will received an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

The rapid expansion of data centres is driving unprecedented energy demand, making their resilience, sustainability, and integration with low-carbon energy systems critical to achieving net-zero targets.

This PhD project will investigate innovative strategies to improve energy efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in data centre operations. The research will explore:

• Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Enhancing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on traditional grid supply.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Maximising the use of clean energy while ensuring grid stability.
• Energy Storage and Demand-Side Flexibility: Optimising storage and load management for enhanced system efficiency.
• Waste Heat Recovery & Cooling Solutions: Exploring thermal energy reuse, liquid cooling, and hybrid systems to minimise emissions and improve efficiency.

The research will employ data-driven modelling, simulation techniques, and optimisation strategies to assess the technical feasibility, scalability, and real-world applicability of these solutions. This PhD will bridge cutting-edge energy modelling with real-world industry applications, delivering practical solutions that drive the decarbonisation of digital infrastructure.

The project will provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient data centre energy systems.

The successful candidate will collaborate with industry partners, policymakers, and research teams through The Tyndall Centre and Energy Beacon. The research will contribute to optimising renewable energy deployment, enhancing microgrid resilience, and improving data centre sustainability.

Seeking a driven individual with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification is desirable.
• Strong analytical and computational skills for optimisation and energy modelling.
• Knowledge of energy systems, and renewable energy solutions.
• Familiarity with microgrid technologies, grid integration energy storage, or demand response mechanisms.
• Industry experience or exposure to data centre operations, energy efficiency, or cooling strategies would be great.
• Experience in energy modelling, grid integration, data centres, or power systems.
• Proficiency in any one or more of the following DIgSILENT, Plexos, MATLAB, Python, or TRNSYS or similar for energy simulations.

To apply please contact the main supervisors: Prof Aoife Foley - aoife.foley@manchester.ac.uk, Prof Dlzar Alkez - dlzar.alkez@manchester.ac.uk and Dr Welfle - andrew.welfle@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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