The University of Exeter is inviting applications for this exciting PhD studentship in Renewable Energy.

The provision of reliable energy supply to rural community is a daunting task in any countries. To avoid power failure and due to the nature of intermittence, energy storage is key issue for any renewable energy sources.

A small part of the solar spectrum (typically 20-25%) is only used as electricity conversion, leading to substantial waste heat generation. The waste heat from solar panel can be reuse by incorporating phase change material (PCM) at the rear of the panel.

This project will develop and utilize nano-particles to incorporate within PCM materials in order to achieve higher thermal efficiency, which, in turn reduce operating temperature of the solar panel and thus increasing its electrical conversion efficiency.

In addition, the fluctuation of energy resources occurring for a specified location will feed into the integrated to understand the optical and thermal behaviour of the materials at different time scale.

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Tapas Mallick on t.k.mallick@exeter.ac.uk

Application criteria Applicants should have or expect to achieve a 1st Class Honours degree, or 2:1 in Postgraduate degree or equivalent, in Engineering, Physics or Environmental Sciences. Experience in Finite Element Modelling and appropriate software programming is desirable but not essential.

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Funded by: College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences

–> Application deadline: 31st July 2013 Number of awards: 1 Value: Three-year studentship: Tuition fees [UK/EU/International] and an annual maintenance allowance at current Research Council rate. Duration of award: per year Contact: Liz Roberts emps-pgr@exeter.ac.uk 

How to apply To apply, you must complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.

For general enquiries please contact emps-pgr@exeter.ac.uk