​​Heat and mass transfer in stationary and mobile liquid hydrogen storage tanks​

Liquid hydrogen (LH2) is the main energy carrier for future propulsion of long-haul flights and trans-ocean shipping of passenger and goods in future due to scarcity of fossil fuels such as gas and oil. Safety of stationary and mobile LH2 systems and infrastructure is of paramount importance for emerging hydrogen economy. This study will close a number of essential knowledge gaps, including but not limited to addressing the following phenomena: self-pressurisation of storage tank depending on type of used thermal isolation, non-uniformity of temperature in vapour and liquid, details of mass transfer between phases in conditions of temperature non-uniformity for stationary storage, effect of sloshing on heat and mass transfer for mobile applications, boil-off phenomenon and its mitigation, etc.

The successful candidate will:

• Critically review the state-of-the-art in experimental and numerical studies on safety of LH2 storage for stationary and mobile applications;
• Develop contemporary 3D CFD model to simulate LH2 behaviour in LH2 tank with different types of thermal insulation;
• Validate the developed CFD model against experimental data available in literature or from partners in ongoing projects;
• Use the validated model to close identified knowledge gaps and address technological bottlenecks;
• Explore the potential for development of reduced models to support further advancement of the e-Laboratory of Hydrogen Safety (https://fch2edu.eu/home/e-laboratory)

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Publications - peer-reviewed

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

1. Molkov V (2012) Fundamentals of Hydrogen Safety Engineering, Part I (ISBN 978-87-403-0226-4) and Part II (ISBN 978-87-403-0279-0), free download e-book, www.bookboon.com.

2. Deliverables of the PRESLHY project (www.preslhy.eu).