Funded PhD: Modelling advanced marine engines with sustainable fuels

Project in brief

This project will develop new techniques to enable accurate modelling of performance and emissions in large marine engines, fuelled by sustainable hydrogen, methane and methanol. The system level (advanced engines) and sub-system level (combustion focused) approaches may utilise, process engineering (ASPEN Tech), chemical combustion (ANSYS Chemkin) and engine simulation tools (GT-Suite). In general, the modelling of large MW engines is undertaken by scaling up models correlated with data from smaller KW engines, as test data from larger engines in rarely available. This approach is known to be inaccurate, and answering this research question becomes even more valuable when transitioning to new sustainable fuels. Working alongside the UK Clean Maritime Hub project team of over two-dozen universities and industrial partners, this project aligns to the Advanced Engineering Centre's core strategy of ‘Energy and Transport’. The PhD will develop new models of sustainably fuelled advanced engines, first at heavy duty scale and then at marine engine scale, with validation using data from Maritime Hub partners.

Key Facts

Location Moulsecoomb campus, Brighton

Research centre Advanced Engineering Centre

Project themes Green shipping, marine engines, sustainable fuels, thermofluids modelling, chemical kinetics

Deadline Thursday 29 February 2024 at 16.00 GMT

Interviews March 2024

Find out how to apply

University of Brighton supervisors

Dr Angad Panesar

Dr Panesar’s supervision interests in the theme of energy engineering via simulation and experimental methods are aligned with his research interests in energy recovery, energy storage, advanced engines, sustainable fuels, low carbon transport and life cycle assessment. He welcomes correspondence from potential Placement, PhD and Post-Doctoral applicants, and new academic and industrial collaborators.

Dr Cliff Dansoh

I am currently the external examiner for two PhD students at Kingston University who are studying renewable energy and energy storage related subjects. The subjects of the research are as follows:

Enhancing commercial aircraft electrical power efficiency

A study of the retrofitability of a popular commercial aircraft to operate using hydrogen and fuel cells.

2. Decision Support System of Bespoke Ice Protection System for Wind Turbine in Cold Climate Sites

A study to establish the best design options and operational strategies and tactics to minimise the impact of cold weather on the operation of wind turbines in cold climates.

Dr Steven Begg

I am interested in supervising postgraduate research students in experimental thermofluids, powertrain engineering for future transportation, alternative fuels and advanced cycles, heat transfer, sprays, two-phase flows, laser and optical measurement techniques.

Current PhD students

Mr Zuhaib Nissar (2021-) - Sprays: Liquid Break-up and Droplet Distribution

Ms Aleksandra Skalba (2022-) - Universal Life Cycle Emissions Tool Applied to the EV's in Automotive Sector

Mr Ian Kemp (2022-) - Micropower Volumetric Machines as Energy Recovery Expanders in Two-phase Conditions

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a Master’s degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.

Applicants are also required to submit a CV and a 1250 word (max) statement outlining (a) a proposed project approach and (b) a personal experience and expertise summary (see our Guide to making your application below).

Residential eligibility

Applications from both Home and non-UK resident students can be accepted. Please note, non-UK residents can only undertake full-time study.

If successful, students must live in the UK and within reasonable access to the University.

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who are currently studying for a UK degree or who have obtained a UK degree in the last three years may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.

English language IELTS requirements are minimum of 6.5 in each component.

If you have an English language qualification other than IELTS, please contact us to see if you are eligible to apply for a studentship

See UK Government guidance for full details.

Funding

Each studentship provides a tax-free stipend for living expenses at UKRI rates (£18,622 per year for full-time study in 2023-24) and covers tuition fees for the duration of the studentship (three years for full-time PhD study or six years for part-time (Home students only) study).

Contact us

For any questions or further information about the project, please contact the lead supervisor Dr Angad Panesar (see profile for contact details).

If you have any questions about the funding or application process, please contact DoctoralCollege@brighton.ac.uk.

Guide to making your application

What to include in your application

Please complete all relevant fields on the application form and include the following:

Documents to be uploaded:

copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts (upload in Education section)
copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable) (upload in English Language section)
copy of your passport (upload in any section)

two written documents as follows:

We require two written documents: a two-part narrative text (1) and your CV (2). To complete this requirement, please adhere to the guidance on this page rather than the generic guidance on the application form. Please upload the following as two attachments rather than entering text in the box on the application form.

Your proposed project approach (a) and personal statement (b): in the Personal Statement section of the form, please upload a narrative (total 1250 words max) that has two components:
- (a) a description of how you intend to approach the project and key questions that will need to be addressed (500 words max);
- (b) a summary of your experience, personal attributes, current knowledge and research skills (750 words max)
Your CV: in the Research Proposal section of the form, please upload a two-page CV. Please also ensure you have completed the two fields requesting supervisor name and project title. You do not need to include a full research proposal; we require a project approach within the Personal Statement section as outlined above.

Two references:

One reference must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study; both references must have been dated within the last year. You can submit your references either by providing contact details of your referees or by uploading a scan of a formal signed reference.

How to start your online application

To start your application please follow these steps:

1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.
2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.
3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.
4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.
5. Select mode of study 'full-time' (Home students shortlisted for interview will have the option of changing their preferred mode of study to 'part-time')
6. Select 'Doctoral College'
7. Select ‘Architecture, Technology and Engineering studentship’
8. Click 'apply'.

You will now be able to complete the online application form.

Apply Online Now