PhD Studentships in Solid Fuel Cell Design

PhD Studentships
Design of a 250kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Centre for Applied Energy Research

Start date: 28th September 2009

Applications are invited for a Faculty funded full-time PhD studentship to work in the area of ‘Design of a 250kW Solid Oxide Fuel Cell’.

A funded PhD studentship is available to work on this project. This is based at Coventry University in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing.

The proposed major tasks of the project are:

* a desk-based investigation of existing best practice focusing on the most cost-effective SOFC system designs,
* Parametric study of SOFC design enabling design optimisation incorporating numerical analysis and optimisation of the fuel cell design.
* Production of a complete set of General Arrangement Drawings of a 250kW SOFC based on new ideas and existing concepts

Brief description:
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are being developed predominantly for the provision of auxiliary power supplies requiring higher power outputs. SOFC fuel cells are particularly suited to this task because of their high efficiencies, fuel flexibility and cost benefits. However, there are a number of disadvantages of SOFC including high operating temperatures and subsequent long start up times. The primary focus of this project will be to design and evaluate a numerical proof of concept for a 250kW SOFC. The numerical model will be utilised to optimise the operation of the fuel cell and to enable a parametric study to be conducted enabling operation optimisation

Expertise and Experience required:
The ideal candidate will have a Masters degree or equivalent experience in electrical or mechanical engineering, electrochemistry, or other relevant discipline; knowledge of computational modelling techniques would be an advantage but is not essential. Applications are welcome from home and overseas candidates.

The successful applicants will receive £12,504 maintenance per annum (tax free) and tuition fees, for a period of 4 years. Fees will be paid in full at either UK/EU rate for home and EU citizens or at the overseas rates for Overseas Research Students - whichever is applicable.

Further information is available from william.hall@ coventry. ac.uk

Closing date: 17th April 2009

Interview Date: Interviews will be held in the week commencing 4th May 2009

How to apply
Please submit an application form, (please note that as this is a predefined project a research proposal (section 7 of the application form) is not required), a detailed CV, 2 references and covering letter addressed to Dr William Hall, by email to:

Email: research-apps.pg@coventry.ac.uk

For an application form please visit the link: http://www.coventry .ac.uk/researchn et/studentships/ a/5763

For any queries, please contact:
Admissions team
Tel: 024 7688 8857 / 7667
Email: research-apps.pg@coventry.ac.uk