Deadline: Applications will be accepted at any time until the position is filled.

Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer systems, where electric vehicles receive a power charge as they travel along the road have the potential to significantly extend the range and usability of such vehicles.

While much research has taken place examining the optimal location distribution of traditional (plug-in) charging points however, the optimal distribution of wireless charging infrastructure, both in isolation and in combination with plug-in systems has received little analysis.

This research therefore seeks to create a modelling framework that - given the inputs of a network, driver requirements and the infrastructure capabilities - can attempt to optimize the distribution of both wireless charging systems and plug-in charging stations within the network.

It is anticipated that the creation of such a modelling framework will require developing and combining ideas and approaches from....

•       Mathematics/Operational Research : Scheduling and resource optimisation (including heuristic approaches)

•       Complexity Science : Agent based models to represent traveller behaviour such as route choice

•       High performance computing : Using the University’s IRIDIS cluster

.... to understand how the locations of wireless charging systems can affect the overall dynamics of the road transport network.

This project is in partnership with the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) (www.trl.co.uk) and it is anticipated that extended placements at TRL will form part of the research activities.

This studentship would suit a student with a strong engineering/scientific background with willingness to engage proactively in new technical areas. Previous experience of mathematical and/or computational modelling, along with an appreciation of the complexities of traffic behaviour and engineering aspects of battery charging would be an advantage.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Ben Waterson (B.J.Waterson<στο>southampton.ac.uk)

This integrated PhD project will be funded through the Center for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Infrastructure Systems http://cdt-sis.soton.ac.uk. The studentship comprises support from both EPSRChttp://www.epsrc.ac.uk and an industrial sponsor.