PhD Studentship: Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) and Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC): Thermodynamic modelling of an ORC(s) followed by practical test rig evaluation and model validation

Capturing the heat lost from, for example, an internal combustion engine via the exhaust or coolant or both and using it to produce mechanical work is commonly known as Waste Heat Recovery. There are several possible approaches to the use of this heat to produce useful work, one of which is the use of the Rankine cycle and organic working fluids to produce mechanical power. The Clean Energies Research cluster based in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Queen’s University of Belfast, specialises in thermodynamic simulation methods and has over twenty man years of experience in WHR simulation and practical evaluation. The clean energies cluster recently carried out ground breaking WHR ORC research in a number of large industrial research projects looking at improved vehicle fuel economy from both a simulation and practical evaluation perspective. The work was focused on more advanced hybrid vehicle powertrains but can be applied to more conventional power trains. The school has significant experience in this particular area with several novel innovations in the key technical areas and considers that WHR ORC shows extremely good potential for the improvement of mobile and stationary source IC engine fuel economy.

As a result we are seeking to recruit a Ph.D. student to work as part of our team in an INI (Invest Northern Ireland) funded project run within the Center for Advanced sustainable Energy (CASE). We are looking for a suitably qualified candidate capable of evaluating, developing and later practically validating a thermodynamic WHR ORC simulation model based on work already done and on an existing simulation model. The work will require the effective use of simulation techniques and an in-depth understanding of thermodynamics. The student will be expected to participate in scheduled internal and external project meetings and be an effective member of the project team.

Applicants need to demonstrate skill sets in theoretical and practical thermodynamic engineering in a university and industrial environment as well as high levels of computer literacy. Experience in the use of one or more effective simulation codes, thermodynamic simulation experience and computer aided design (CAD) are essential. The successful applicant will be based in Northern Ireland and will be expected to engage with the industrial sponsors on a highly professional basis and be an effective member of the project team.

Applicants for the studentship should have or expect to obtain a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent, in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering. A Master’s degree in a relevant subject or post graduate industrial experience in a relevant area would be advantageous but are not essential.

Applications will be assessed as received and should be made electronically through the Queen’s online application portal at http://go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply.

For queries regarding the application process please contact Ms Marie-Therese Maguire by email to:m.t.maguire<στο>qub.ac.uk.

Informal enquiries and request for additional information for this post can be made to Dr Stephen Glover (s.glover<στο>qub.ac.uk).

The studentship offers a stipend of £13,863 per annum (tax free) and covers fees at the UK/EU student rate, due to funding restrictions.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 17th December 2014.