EPSRC - Jaguar Land Rover Industrial CASE PhD Studentship in Advanced Electrical Machines (ENG1263)

This is an exciting opportunity to undertake a PhD on Advanced Electrical Machines for Electrical Vehicle Traction at the University of Nottingham in partnership with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). In the last two decades, the use of rare-earth magnets and the development of permanent magnet (PM) machines have contributed to a step change in motor performance. PM motors performances are excellent and their potential of meeting the challenging requirements of modern ground propulsion and transport applications has been fully demonstrated. However, magnet price volatility, availability and non-environmental friendly properties of some of the constituent materials makes these types of machines unsustainable. The rapid market growth of electric vehicles requires the urgent development of novel and disruptive electrical machines without PM or with significantly reduced PM content whilst still maintaining high performance in terms of efficiency and power density.

The University of Nottingham has recently established an ambitious research plan for the development of a high-power-density powertrain electrical machines without rare-earth PM in collaboration with JLR. Within this program, the successful candidate will look into novel electrical machine topologies enabled by the use of new magnetic materials and innovative thermal management systems. Research will explore high frequency stators and high speed hybrid rotor configurations that can enhance electromagnetic and thermal performance.

The PhD studentship is available from October 2019 and is fully funded for 4 years via a stipend covering PhD tuition fees (at the Home/EU rate) and a tax-free living allowance (£15,009 per annum). As part of the project the student will be working closely with JLR. 

The student will gain expertise in the design of advanced electrical machines including finite element modelling of electromagnetic and mechanical structures, familiarity with power electronics and control, characterisation of materials and gain experience in building and testing traction drives. Transferable skills in computer programming, data analysis and scientific communication will also be acquired. In addition, the student will benefit from hands-on experience in industry, while pursuing a research project in an academic environment, and gain knowledge of the recent developments of modern transportation.

Applications are invited from outstanding EU/UK students holding or expecting to gain a good undergraduate degree in electrical/electronic/mechanical engineering or a related subject. 

For informal enquiries please contact: chris.gerada@nottingham.ac.uk, michele.degano@nottingham.ac.uk

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and talented PhD candidate to join the world-leading Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMC) Research Group and work on a project advancing technology of electrical machines. The PEMC group has undergone a significant period of growth and now has over 150 members, with 20 academics (including 7 full professors) and approximately 120 PhD students and post-doctoral research fellows.  The group has excellent facilities for experimental work including approximately 2500m2 of research space and a construction and testing capability up to 1MW. The University of Nottingham is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world (QS World University Rankings).

Please apply here https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/pgstudy/how-to-apply/apply-online.aspx

When applying for this studentship, please include the reference number (beginning ENG and supervisors name) within the personal statement section of the application. This will help in ensuring your application is sent directly to the academic advertising the studentship. 

Closing Date: 19 Jun 2019
Category: Studentships