PhD Studentship: Ultra-low NOx Hydrogen-Fuelled Gas Turbine Combustion Systems

Location: Bedford

Funding amount: £1,550 per month (tax free)

Closing Date: 10 January 2024 

Current gas turbine engines use hydrocarbon fuels, such as kerosene, diesel and natural gas which inevitably produce CO2 and NOx emissions. To reduce their environmental impact, gas turbine engines may move from burning traditional hydrocarbon-based fuels to hydrogen fuel. This will eliminate exhaust CO2 emissions. However, gas turbine designers are facing technological challenges in designing low NOx hydrogen-fuelled combustion systems without compromising other performance and operability requirements such as combustion efficiency, pressure loss, durability, stability, resistance to flashback and more.

The objective of this project is to investigate the design, performance and emissions characteristics of a novel hydrogen-fuelled, ultra-low NOx combustion system over an entire range of operating conditions. The analysis will be undertaken using multi-fidelity tools ranging from reduced order models to high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

The proposed research project will use the lessons learnt as a starting point to conceive, design and evaluate the performance and emissions of a novel ultra-low NOx hydrogen-fuelled combustion system. The analysis will be undertaken using multi-fidelity tools ranging from reduced order models to high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

The Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering has a key focus and a proven track record on gas turbine combustors, performance, experimental research, etc., which have been built up over the last half century. This provides a unique capability to assist researchers and engineers in new engine and combustor designs and support both the designers and the users in gas turbine and power generation industry.

The history of gas turbine performance engineering at Cranfield dates back to 1946 and the foundation of the Institution. The Centre for Propulsion and Thermal Power Engineering contributes and focuses on gas turbines for aerospace, marine and power generation applications, the sectors where Europe and Britain are world leaders and major exporters. This high technology global industry is worth more than £30 billion per annum. Current challenges are arising from the need to address environmental issues and the changing economic climate. These challenges have created an environment where a large return can be accrued from an investment in gas turbines and related power system research and education.

It is expected the research will generate new design methods and knowledge for more environmentally friendly gas turbine combustors. The new knowledge will be very useful to guide the designs, operations, and control of future hydrogen gas turbine engines.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second-class UK honours degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or a relevant area. An MSc degree and/or experience in combustion, heat transfer, gas turbine performance, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) will be an advantage. 

Funding

A fully funded PhD studentship to cover both tuition fees and stipend (£1,550 per month) for three years will be available for both UK and non-UK/international candidates.

How to apply

For further information please contact:

Name: Dr Yiguang Li

Email: [email protected]

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form, please click on the 'Apply' button above.