Project details
To create a new tidal energy station in Poole Harbour by utilising potential energy available within this natural resource. The project is designed to have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment, be scalable and readily deployable and, at a minimum, provide a sustainable capacity of up to 150kWh. The generated and captured energy would initially be for use by Cosmetic Warriors / Lush Cosmetics.
Objectives
- Identify a site suitable for efficient tidal energy capture within Poole Harbour.
- Gather support, permissions & licencing from local authorities - BCP Council, Poole Harbour Commission, Crown Estate, Environment Agency.
- Demonstrate that renewable electricity does not have to be an eyesore and can complement the natural environment.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of turbine design and efficient off-grid energy storage, construction and installation.
- Deliver a robust, scalable, technological solution that can be replicated at additional sites.
In order to deliver the most efficient energy capture and storage with the lowest environmental impact, the solution is required to be as efficient as possible (in terms of systemic loss). This will require the specialist application of materials including, but not limited to, nano coating as well as storage innovation for effective storage and discharge of captured energy. The project will also set a standard that others can build upon and learn from.
View the full project description (pdf 179kb)
The closing date for applications is 27/09/2024.
Supervisors
Professor Zulfiqar A Khan has been leading NanoCorr, Energy & Modelling (NCEM) research group within the University Design & Engineering department. NCEM was previously known as Sustainable Design Research Centre (SDRC) and received its Research Excellence Framework (REF – UK national research audit) 14 Panel Unit Feedback as, “Sustainable Design Research Group had the highest proportion of outputs judged to be internationally excellent”. He is championing REF2021 as Unit of Assessment (UoA) 12 (Engineering) Unit Leader.
Professor Khan has developed multidisciplinary research in wear-corrosion synergy, nano-coating incorporating tribo-corrosion issues, thermodynamics and numerical modelling in collaboration with major industrial and academic partners.
He has previously lead Research and Enterprise activity in the then School of Design, Engineering and Computing, as Associate Dean between Nov 2008 ‘til Aug 2010 and the University’s Sustainable Design Research Centre as Director since July 2007.
He has developed a portfolio of international collaboration through the appointment of visiting professors and visiting fellows who participate in the centre’s research and academic development. Professor Khan has developed longstanding industrial collaborations such as the Ministry of Defence UK, Future Energy Source Ltd, Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG, Balmain Environmental Conservation Trust, ASM Assembly Systems Ltd, The Tank Museum at Bovington UK and Daido Metal Co Ltd, The European Technical Centre (UK).
Funding
A fully-funded Studentship includes a maintenance grant of £18,622 per year to contribute towards living expenses during the course of your research, as well as a fee waiver for 36 months.
Associated costs, such as for fieldwork and conference attendance, will also be met under the Studentship.
Academic support
The Research Development Programme, developed by the Doctoral College in line with the Researcher Development Framework (Vitae).An added benefit is the opportunity to meet researchers from other academic schools at BU through the activities of the Doctoral College and benefit from their experiences, skills, and perspectives.
Full entry requirements
The BU PhD and MRes Studentships are open to UK, EU and International students.
Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:
- Outstanding academic potential as measured normally by either a 1st class honours degree (or equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) or a Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent
- An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent) for candidates for whom English is not their first language and this must be evidenced at point of application.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.
Applicants will be asked to submit an online application form and a proposal (approximately 1500 words) outlining their understanding of the project for which they are applying, the approach they would envisage taking and what qualities they will bring to the research community.
Please note:
- current BU Doctoral students are not eligible to apply for a Studentship
- current MRes/MPhil students can apply, subject to satisfactory completion of their Research Degree prior to being able to take up the award
- PhD Studentships cannot be used to support BU staff to complete doctoral programmes.
International entry requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you can understand English to a satisfactory level. English language requirements for this course are normally:
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (with a minimum 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
View further information about our English language requirements.
A number of pre-sessional English and preparatory programmes are offered through our partner institution, Bournemouth University International College, and will get you ready for study at BU at the appropriate level.
You can also find further details of the international qualifications we accept, and what level of study they apply to, on our postgraduate entry requirements page.
How to apply
Click the green ‘Apply now’ button at the top of the page and complete the online application form. You can find further guidance about applying for a postgraduate research degree in our Postgraduate Research section.
The closing date for applications 27/09/2024.
Careers
A research degree can open new career opportunities in commercial research and development, consultancy, or could lead you to starting your own business. You may alternatively consider a career in academia. You may wish to undertake research to contribute to your knowledge of a specialist subject, or develop your employability by enhancing your skills in project management and analysis.
