Centre for Renewable Systems Technology (CREST)
Topic
Photovoltaic modules are being deployed in large numbers across the world and are fast becoming a major contributor to the overall energy generation park in a number of countries. The increasing contribution to the grid will eventually need to be taken into account in the national energy mix. Thus small, distributed installations need to be modelled in their impact on the national grid. The aim of the project is to carry out ânear-castingâ and forecasting of the national PV installations in the near and longer term. This will require the use meteorological data, weather forecasts and existing performance data to predict how much energy will be generated and where. The project may extend into condition investigations of larger plants or domestic systems. The project is associated with a large interdisciplinary modelling project (http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/K02227X/1) and will work in close conjunction with it. It will interface with the main research work through GIS framework. An ideal candidate would be computer literate with significant programming experience (C++, Embarcadero Delphi or similar) and is prepared to work as part of a larger team.
Research environment
The project would be based within the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), which has a long track record in this kind of work. The team has developed a number of performance models as well as environmental models, which may be used in the model development. The project would be supervised by Prof Gottschalg and Dr. Rowley.
Funding and eligibility
The studentship is open to graduates with background in relevant engineering degrees (e.g. electronic and electrical, software) and relevant science degrees (e.g. physics, mathematics, computer) provided that they are articulate, well qualified and highly motivated. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and relevant experience.
The studentship is open to graduates with background in relevant engineering and science degrees provided that they are articulate, well qualified and highly motivated. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. Due to funding restrictions, applicants must be classed as home students for fee purposes. It is for 3 years and covers fees at a UK/EU rate and a tax-exempt stipend of £13,726 for the 2013/2014 academic year with cost of living adjustments in years 2 and 3. Studentships will be expected to register for 1st January 2014.
Additional Information
Applications can be made on-line at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/essentialinformation/howtoapply/. Please quote SEESE/CREST/2013/03 on your application. All applicants are encouraged to make contact with the supervisor to discuss their interest in the subject area and also send them the electronic application to speed up the overall process. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation and a transcript of any degree courses attended
For an informal discussion on the subject area, please contact the lead supervisor, Prof Ralph Gottschalg, on 01509 635310 or R.Gottschalg@lboro.ac.uk. For enquiries about the application process, please contact Julie Allen (J.D.Allen@lboro.ac.uk)
Applications will be accepted until 20th November 2013, or until the post is filled.