PhD - Digital Toolset for (Hybrid) Electric Propulsion System Design, Control Development and Cost Analysis

Motivation – The recent report by the Committee on Climate Change ‘Net Zero – The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming’ recommends that the UK legislate a 100% reduction in greenhouse gases (GHGs) by 2050 (from 1990), covering all sectors of the economy including shipping and land-based heavy-duty vehicles. The clear research challenge in both scientific research and business is to optimise efficiency in production whilst reducing cost and emissions.
Aims – This project is to develop a new model-based digital toolset which can be used across the product development lifecycle from concept design to component selection – sizing, control development and life cycle cost analysis. The primary aim of this tool is with a focus on marine and land-based heavy duty vehicle applications but also capable of extending to other sectors.
Strength of the Collaboration - This PhD project seeks to build on the success of the collaborative R&D project between Babcock and WMG on a number of projects: Innovate UK funded APMS (Agile Power Management Systems) for marine vessels project (2016 – 2018); MarRI-UK funded FC-BATShip (Advanced Power-Energy Management for Next Generation Marine Propulsion Systems: Fuel Cell–Battery Hybrid Ship) (2020-2021).

Main Objectives - (1) To develop a low fidelity model, allowing component selection and sizing study with a fixed number of propulsion architectures and energy storage options (Y1-Y2); (2) To develop a low fidelity model and a basic control framework (state machines) for different architectures will be supported as a library of the tool to allow rapid control development and evaluation (Y2-Y3); (3) To implement a simple cost model to support life cycle cost analysis (Y3-Y4-half); (4) To disseminate the scientific outcomes through high-ranking journals and presentations at renowned international conferences/workshops; (5) To expand the capability of the IP already developed and potentially enable Babcock to exploit this in the market, either through licensing or subcontracting system build, integration and through-life support.
Research Strategy Alignment - This project is strongly aligned with two themes of the ‘Energy’ GRP of Warwick: Low Carbon Transport and Energy Management. It leverages the automotive know-how developed at WMG for technology transfer into the marine and other sectors.
Management Strategy - The student will be managed by WMG, the University of Warwick, on a day-to-day basis with regular input from Babcock (fortnightly meetings).

Supervisor - Dr Truong Dinh Quanq

Funding Source: Warwick industrial Fellowships with match-funding from Babcock

Funding Duration: 3.5 years

Stipend: Standard PhD at UKRI rates: £15,285

Funding Eligibility: Full scholarship for UK/Home EU student (International student needs to cover themselves for the tuition fee difference)

Company Sponsor: Babcock International Group

Desired Background: Engineering background, particular in fields of system modelling, simulation and control.

Student needs to have experience in MATLAB/Simulink and analytical skills.

Having relevant background in any transportation sectors is desired but not essential.

https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/education/researchdegrees/vacancies/phd-digital-toolset-for-hybrid-electric-propulsion-system-design-control-development-and-cost-analysis/