Optical monitor for gas leaks in renewable energy transportation and storage - PhD

Be part of the energy revolution by joining our PhD programme in optical sensors. As the market for renewable energy increases, energy storage and transport will make increasing use of a new generation of liquefied gases. Operators will need new solutions to monitor for potential leakage, to maintain safety and reduce unwanted environmental emissions. Sponsored by EPSRC and instrumentation manufacturer Crowcon Detection Instruments, this project aims to develop a novel optical sensor for gas leaks that operates in a remote “standoff” mode. You will receive a (tax-free) stipend of up to £21,500 and UK fees are paid. You will also gain bespoke training in optical sensors, a programme of transferable skills training and experience of collaboration with a major manufacturer of industrial sensors.

The emerging hydrogen economy proposes use of this gas for renewable energy storage and transportation. To get to net zero, a transition to using hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels is also considered unavoidable in other sectors. Conversion of hydrogen to/from other gases (such as ammonia or syngas) will enable transport and storage in the manner of liquefied natural gas (LNG). To enable safety and minimise environmental emissions, a new generation of gas sensors is needed to support this change, to detect leaks of ammonia and potentially other gases, from storage and transport facilities.

You will develop a prototype optical gas detector for use in “standoff” mode, allowing operators to detect gas leaks from a distance. This technology has the benefit of high sensitivity and specificity to individual gases, and uses advanced laser technology originally developed for telecoms and quantum sensing. A new generation of high-performing sensors is considered essential to support the coming energy revolution and a key element of combating climate change. The initial target is to measure ammonia, to enable safe detection of low-level leaks. Opportunities to apply this technology to other gases (such as carbon monoxide) will also be explored, for wider applications in marine transportation.

You will develop a prototype optical gas detector for use in “standoff” mode, allowing operators to detect gas leaks from a distance. This technology has the benefit of high sensitivity and specificity to individual gases, and uses advanced laser technology originally developed for telecoms and quantum sensing. A new generation of high-performing sensors is considered essential to support the coming energy revolution and a key element of combating climate change. The initial target is to measure ammonia, to enable safe detection of low-level leaks. Opportunities to apply this technology to other gases (such as carbon monoxide) will also be explored, for wider applications in marine transportation.

You will develop and test an advanced prototype optical gas sensor both in the lab and using our new outdoor leak test facility based at Cranfield. Testing at Crowcon facilities and collaboration with Crowcon engineers will ensure that, if your results are successful, the company can rapidly develop and commercialise a new line of industrial products that make a real impact. Along this journey, you will gain experience of communication across disciplinary boundaries and of intellectual property (IP) protection.

You will experience a highly applied, outward-looking academic team as well as a modern R&D and manufacturing environment for instrumentation at our industrial partner. You will also have the opportunity to present your results at an international conference and to engage with the UK gas sensing community at national scientific meetings. Publication of your work in high-quality, international peer-reviewed journals is also considered an important outcome.

Bespoke training starts with our “Introduction to Photonics” experimental programme, designed for scientists and engineers without previous hands-on experience of optics. CU offers an excellent training programme in generic technical skills and transferrable skills that map to the Vitae Researcher Development Framework. PhDs in engineering offer skills and experiences that are highly sought after by employers and our PhD graduates go on to employment in the field of their choice, including industry, government labs and academia.

You will have (or expect to have) a first or upper second class degree or equivalent in physical science or engineering. No prior experience in optics is necessary as full training will be given – indeed we welcome applicants from a wide variety of engineering and scientific disciplines including physics, electronics, avionics, robotics, mechanical, chemical, environmental and aeronautical engineering. We would love to hear from you, whether you are just graduating or have some years (or even a career) in industry / employment behind you.