2024 RTP round - Heat transfer characterisation in a novel thermal energy storage system with phase change material

Status: Closed

Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

Thermal energy storage (TES) enables technology to smoothen the supply and demand of renewable energy. In a TES system, energy is stored as either sensible or latent (phase change) heat in a thermal material through a heat transfer fluid. Depending on the mode of operation, thermal materials are classified as sensible heat storage materials (SHSMs) and phase change materials (PCMs). The proposed project is based on the use of PCMs for high-temperature TES systems. While PCMs have advantages as they can store a large amount of heat in the form of latent heat with high energy density, high efficiency and minimum overall footprint, their use also poses several challenges. Typically high-temperature thermal storage PCMs can be either metal or metal alloys that need to be encapsulated or immobilised within another material. Heat transfer in such a system is a complex phenomenon that consists of higher temperature, phase change, convective transport, the effect of topologies of the immobilization module, etc. Hence, this project will particularly focus on heat transfer performance of a high-temperature, PCM-based TES system. 

The overall aim is to conceptualise a TES system and investigate heat transfer between immobilised PCM and working fluid. The project will be executed by conducting laboratory experiments and numerical simulations.  The lab experiments will focus on the quantification of the heat transfer performance. On the other hand, the computational modelling and simulation will be aimed to capture the convective heat transfer in the system and apply the model for scale-up of the conceptualised TES system. 

The specific objectives are:
1. To build a laboratory experiment and test different PCMs by monitoring heat transfer and phase-change process;
2. To collect experimental data for developing and validating numerical models of heat transfer and phase change;
3. To predict and evaluate the performance of TES system. 

Compared to sensible heat storage, TES using PCMs is still under scientific research without large-scale applications. One knowledge gap is the lack of comprehensive study on quantifying the heat transfer performance using encapsulated PCM in TES system. The research project will bridge the gap by conducting both pioneering experimental and numerical studies. 

 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.

Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6-month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023. 

For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

The HDR applicant needs to have a discipline background such as mechanical, chemical, and energy process. The CWA during undergraduate needs to be above 70%. 

Application process

If this project excites you, and your research skills and experience are a good fit for this specific project, you should contact the Project Lead (listed below in the enquires section) via the Expression of Interest (EOI) form. ahead of the closing date. Please note you should apply as soon as possible, as once a suitable candidate has been identified this opportunity will no longer be available to receive an EOI.

Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 months of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

To enquire about this project opportunity that includes a scholarship application, contact the Project lead Biao Sun via the EOI form above.

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