Background: MPhys University of Southampton (2014)

Supervisor: Dr Richard Wills, University of Southampton

Project: High Specific Energy Aluminium-Ion Rechargeable Decentralized Electricity Generation Sources. - Linked to the Horizon 2020 project (H2020-NMP-2014 ALION) which aims develop a cheap, safe and reliable aluminium-ion battery for use with decentralised energy sources. Materials selection and characterisation (electrochemical techniques, XRD, SEM, XPS) in order to produce aluminium-ion cells using aqueous electrolyte. The performance of these cells will be characterised (energy density, efficiency, cycle life, rate capability) and optimised before comparison with cells produced by ALION project partners which utilise the use of ionic liquid electrolytes.

Post-CDT career: Alex is a Product Development Analyst with Opus Energy (part of the Drax Group).

Background: MEng Mech Eng Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2013), MSc Env Eng University of Newcastle (2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Martin Mayfield, University of Sheffield

Project: Energy Storage Characteristics of Smart Grid Optimised Buildings - Exploring the hypothesis that the energy storage characteristics of buildings will play a crucial role in ensuring that they function as an effective sub-system of a smart grid. Investigating how buildings can be optimised for a smart grid through design and incorporated energy storage systems. Seeking to identify the optimal dispatch strategies and determine the relationship between building design, energy demand and energy storage profiles.

Post-CDT career: Andreas is now a part time student and is not due to complete until 2022.

Background: MPhys, University of Sheffield (2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Ian Reaney, University of Sheffield

Project: High Energy Density Multi-Layer Solid State Capacitors. - Linked with EPSRC grant ‘Substitution and Sustainability in Functional Materials and Devices’ and affiliated with the NSF funded ‘Centre for Dielectric and Piezoelectrics’ the project will synthesise/characteriseMALI-type phases for capacitor applications,  and dielectric-type polymers to optimise interface barrier layers, and produce proto-type MLC devices to demonstrate proof-of-concept.

Background: BSc Chemistry University of Bath (2011), MSc European Mineral Eng University of Exeter (2012), Metallurgist for SGS Minerals Services UK Ltd (2012-2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Nuria Garcia-Araez, University of Southampton

Sponsor: QinetiQ

Project: Improved Battery Electrode Materials. - with Qinetiq. Advanced Li-ion cell systems and materials, including operation at higher temperature, looking at suitable anode and cathode couples as well as appropriate electrolyte compositions. The challenge is to achieve voltage and capacity with a reasonable stability over cycle number and time.

Post CDT-career: Dan is now a research fellow within the Energy Technology Group at the Univesrity of Southampton, on a Thermal Runway Faraday Institution project.

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Andrew Cruden, University of Southampton

Project: ELEctrochemical Vehicle Advanced TEchnology." Design, build and test of a high rate electric vehicle charging station, employing an off-vehicle energy store, linked to the ESPRC project “ELEVATE” EP/M009394/1. Investigation of off-vehicle energy store types, design/control to meet charging demand profile, electric grid modelling and power electronics design.

Post-CDT career: George is an Analyst Consultant in the Sustainable Transport team at Ricardo Energy and Environment.

Background: MEng Chem Eng, University of Sheffield (2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Peter Styring, University of Sheffield

Project: Designing a District Heating Network for a rural location. - Heat storage, demand variability and network design for a rural location, using Monte Carlo simulations and Goldsim software (www.goldsim.com) to assess the accuracy of a district heating network powered by waste heat from a nearby industrial lead smelter in the Darley Dale.

Background: MSc Mat Eng University of Cambridge (2001), Senior Analyst for Committee on Climate Change (2008 – 2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Nuria Garcia-Araez, University of Southampton

Project: Li-selective membranes for Li-air batteries.- Soluble redox catalysts produce a drastic improvement in battery performance but degradation reactions/battery self-discharge is a problem. Lithium conductive ceramics will be investigated in lithium-air batteries to prevent the reaction of oxygen on the Li electrode.

Post-CDT career: Nina is a Post Doctoral Rsearcher in the Faraday Institution Multiscale Modelling Fast Start project at Imperial College London.

Background: MChem University of Leeds (2013), Chemist for GE Water/Direct Water Maintenance (2013-2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Martin Mayfield, University of Sheffield

Project: "Energy Storage Characteristics of Future Cities. Examining the effect of sizing, location, and control of electrical energy storage on the ability of such technologies to provide voltage, thermal, and security of supply support to LV urban networks. Basic and 'Smart' control algorithms are being developed for integration into imbalanced load flow models.

Post-CDT career: Richard is a Research Associate in Urban Power Network and Renewable Energy Analysis in the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Warwick (2011), Engineer for Jee Ltd (2011-2014)

Supervisor: Prof. Andrew Cruden, University of Southampton

Project: ELEctrochemical Vehicle Advanced TEchnology. - Focusing on the potential type and size of off-vehicle energy stores for high rate EV charging capability; looking into capabilities and costs of energy stores suitable for use as the off-vehicle energy store; future fast charging usage; grid impacts of high power connections, and with experiments to characterise and diagnose a range of energy stores at high C-rates.

Post-CDT career: Tom is an Energy Systems Researcher for Hitachi Europe Ltd.

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2015)

Supervisor: Prof. Andrew Cruden, University of Southampton

Project: "Vehicle-to-Grid communications and aggregator control for support of electrified rail traffic." Addressing challenges regarding power flow and data management when using parked electric vehicles as distributed battery energy storage to support the power grid or enable brake energy recovery from nearby electric trains.

Background: MEng Electrical Eng University of Sheffield (2015)

Supervisor: Prof. David Stone, University of Sheffield

Project: "Investigation of multilevel converters for battery energy storage and PV interfacing, designed for low voltage distribution networks." Design, build and test of an PV and battery integrated cascaded H-bridge converter capable of delivering high quality power with low harmonic distortion. 

Background: MChem University of Sheffield (2015)

Supervisor: Dr. Sid Patwardhan, University of Sheffield

Project: "Green routes to energy storage materials." Application of biologically inspired green methods in preparing energy storage materials for next generation Li-ion batteries via a sustainable manufacturing process.

Background: MChem University of Sheffield (2015)

Supervisor: Prof. Tony West, University of Sheffield

Sponsor: Faradion

Project: "Sodium-ion battery performance optimisation" with Faradion. Electro-chemical processes and mechanisms in Na Ion batteries, identify the independent processes and optimising cell design to eliminate rate limiting steps.

Background: MEng Mech Eng Imperial College London (2015)

Supervisor: Prof. Beverley Inkson, University of Sheffield

Sponsor: Johnson Matthey

Project: "Microstructural evolution of Lithium ion battery electrodes" with Johnson Matthey. Nanomaterials can be used to increase battery capacity but can suffer from structural changes during cycling. In-situ transition electron microscopy to understand the structural changes in electrodes during battery cycling.

Background: MChem University of Huddersfield (2013)

Supervisor: Dr. Steve Ebbens, University of Sheffield

Project: "Analysis of semiconducting surfaces using AFM." Development and analysis of an efficient photo-catalytic electrode through attachment of transition metal catalysts and photo-sensitizing molecules to semiconducting surfaces.

Background: BSc Thermal Eng North China Electric Power University (2013), MSc Energy & Env Eng University of Sheffield (2014)

Supervisor: Dr. Solomon Brown, University of Sheffield

Sponsor: EdF

Project: "How can energy storage add value in future smart urban planning & operation?" with EdF Energy. Modelling a district network with grid and local generation, investigating scenarios of renewable generation and energy storage.

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Manchester (2014)

Supervisor: Dr. Solomon Brown, University of Sheffield

Project: "Modelling thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries." Extending existing models of thermal runaway, simulating "shutdown" and "meltdown" to improve prediction of thermal runaway onset and safety.

Background: MPhys University of Cambridge (2013), Design Engineer for Renishaw (2013-2015)

Supervisors: Dr Richard Wills & Prof. Andrew Chipperfield, University of Southampton

Project: "Integrating solar PV into smart grids using storage." Theoretical and experimental development of a cascaded H-bridge inverter to more effectively integrate PV and energy storage.

Background: BEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2016)

Project:  Modelling a Hybrid Battery and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) System. The aim of this project is to study the feasibility of a hybrid battery-SMES system in applications such as grid support, uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) or EV quick charging. As SMES devices can withstand high power charge/discharge cycles, such hybrid system can significantly improve the lifetime and performance of battery packs by reducing the stress they are subjected to. Aspects such as the sizing of components, the materials and technologies used and the power flow control will be considered in the modelling.

Supervisor: Prof. Yifeng Yang, Prof. Suleiman Sharkh, University of Southampton

Background: MSci Chemistry University of Glasgow (2008), Chemist for Velocys (2009-2015)

Project: Selection and operation of flow cells as a partner for conventional batteries for grid support. In a redox flow battery (RFB) the material costs of the energy and power components are decoupled, and the former is low compared to that of a lithium-ion battery. In this research project, techno-economic modelling and optimization will be used to determine whether this feature gives RFBs an advantage over alternatives (lithium-ion being the incumbent) when providing electrical grid support in the context of various power generation mixes.

Supervisors: Dr. Solomon Brown, University of Sheffield, Prof. Andy Cruden, University of Southampton

Sponsor: Drax Power Limited

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2016)

Project: Developing Engineering Aspects of the Soluble Lead Flow Battery. This project aims to develop engineering aspects of the soluble lead flow battery by combining an experimental approach with the development of a computational model, including both electrochemical and flow conditions within the battery. Aspects including cell and stack design, operation and failure mechanisms and the development of a maintenance cycle, and a comparison of electrode materials in battery conditions will be explored.

Supervisor: Prof. Andy Cruden, University of Southampton

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2016)

Project: Advanced X-Ray imaging and modelling of thermally safe battery electrodes.  Thermo-electrochemical properties of composite electrodes will be studied by implementing fully 3D multi-physics, continuums models (electro-chemical, thermal, electrical) driven by real microstructure as obtained by x-ray tomography.

Supervisors: Dr. Denis Kramer & Dr. Richard Wills, University of Southampton.

Background: BSc Mech Eng Iteso University Mexico (2014), MSc Mat Eng University of Sheffield (2016)

Project: Electrical characterisation of fluorite-structure ceramics. This project will investigate the electrical properties of a family of electroceramics, which are used in energy/storage devices, with the purpose of having a deep understanding of the physical behaviour of material. Which will allow to improvement of the material and therefore the device.

Supervisor: Prof. Anthony West & Dr. Denis Cumming, University of Sheffield. Sponsored by CONACyT.

Background: BSc Chemistry University of Portsmouth (1997), PhD Materials Sci University of Loughborough (2003)

Supervisor: Dr Xunli Zhang & Dr. Eugen Stulz, University of Southampton

Project: 

Investigating the use of silver nanofluids for enhanced solar capture connected to a thermal storage system. This project aims to investigate different silver nanofluids to ascertain their potential for use to enhance solar thermal energy capture. Parameters to consider include nanofluid stability, concentration and type of stabilisation, system geometry and integration of the capture system with an appropriate thermal store with the aim of developing a capture / storage system that could be used to help decarbonise the thermal heating requirement of buildings.

Background: BEng Electrical Eng University of Sheffield (1990), Utilities Mgr ICI/Zeneca (1990-1996), Project Engineer Symonds Power & Energy (1996-2001), DSM Mgr South Australian Govt (2001-2004), Director Pracsus Ltd (2004-2006), Program Director Future Energy Yorkshire (2006-2009), Consultant CleanTech (2009-2011), Director 350 Strategy (2011 - 2016)

Project: Using agent based modelling to understand the interaction between customers and vehicle-to-grid systems.

Supervisors: Dr Solomon Brown, University of Sheffield and Prof. Andy Cruden, University of Southampton

Sponsor: Drax Power Limited

This project will develop an agent-based model for the use of an electrical car charging facility utilised as part of a Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) scheme. The model will incorporate the behaviour of the individual users of the facility and factors which impact its use; for example, the impact battery degradation has on vehicle performance will be included, which is expected to impact the take-up of such a scheme. Following this, control and scheduling of the batteries as a grid service will be added.

Background: MPhys University of Oxford (2015)

Project: Investigating coupled conventional power and energy storage for grid services. This project will investigate the optimal selection of energy storage technologies to be coupled with a conventional power plant (i.e. CCGT or OCGT) for the provision of grid support services and the optimal operation for such a coupled system.

Supervisor: Dr Solomon Brown, University of Sheffield & Dr. Niall Mac Dowell, Imperial College

Sponsor: RWE

Background: MEng Aerospace Eng University of Sheffield (2016)

Project: Advanced diagnostics of large scale cloud connected batteries. This project will involve the development of local embedded algorithms to track key battery metrics for large scale batteries on the electricity grid. Furthermore, these advanced algorithms can both inform, and learn from other cloud connected batteries to provide better estimations or predict future states. This project will undertake research to experimentally examine the variances across a large battery to identify what they are, characterise them across a range of operating modes, and to quantify the effects on key battery conditions such as SOC, SOH and cell balancing.

Supervisor: Dr. Dan Galdwin & Prof. Martin Foster, University of Sheffield

Sponsor: Siemens

Background: BSc Physics Sciences University College London (2002), MSc DIC Environmental Technology Imperial College London (2005), PGCE the University of Oxford (2006)

Project: Modelling Aluminium-ion Battery Pack Performance

Scope: Linked to the Horizon 2020 project (H2020-NMP-2014 ALION) which aims develop a cheap, safe and reliable aluminium-ion battery for use with decentralised energy sources, this project is building on my summer project modelling the performance of a Li-ion battery pack in a photovoltaic micro-grid. I will be modelling the expected performance of an alumimium-ion battery pack, based on the two types of cells with ionic liquid and aqueous electrolytes.

Supervisors: Dr Richard Wills & Prof Andy Cruden, University of Southampton

Background: MEng Mech Eng with Advanced Materials (2013) University of Southampton

Project: Computational Modelling of a PEDOT cathode for non-aqueous aluminium batteries

Supervisor: Conduct molecular modelling (Density Functional Theory, molecular orbital modelling, etc.) to investigate the doping of PEDOT with chloroaluminate ions, as has been demonstrated experimentally. Use results to inform further system research.

Sponsor:International Consortium in Nanotechnologies (ICON) funded by the Lloyd's Register Foundation

Background: MSCi Natrual Sciences, University of Lancaster (2017)

Project: In-operando detection and quantification of gas evolution for the development of safer Li-ion batteries

Scope: In-operando detection and quantification of gas evolved during the cycling of lithium ion batteries will be carried out through the use of pressure measurements and differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. These techniques will be used to test various electrode materials and cell configurations to help develop safer methods for producing lithium ion batteries.

Supervisors: Dr Nuria Garcia-Araez, Prof. John Owen

Sponsor: HMGCC (Her Majesty’s Goverment Communications Centre)

Background: BSc Mech Eng, University of Azcapotzalco Mexico, 2016

Project: The value of V2G as a grid balancing mechanism

Scope: The aim of this project is to find the value for V2G grid balance services that can make significant economic impact in the current grid network, considering the reliability and availability of this technology in the UK.

Supervisors: Dr Alan Dunbar, Dr Solomon Brown

Sponsor: Conacyt Mexico

Background: MSci Chemistry, University of Nottingham (2017)

Project: Discovering next-generation sodium-ion battery cathode materials synthesised via biotemplating

Scope: Sodium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to lithium, owning to the greater abundance and lower cost of sodium. Synthesis via biotemplating is both faster and cheaper than conventional solid state methods, and could allow us to access new materials with greater performance

Supervisors: Dr Becky Boston, Dr Nik Reeves-McLaren

Background: MEng Mech Eng, University of Southampton (2017)

Project: Improved lifetime performance and safety of electrochemical energy stores through functionalization of passive materials and components

Scope: Improving lifetime and performance of electrochemical energy stores. Targeted specifically at lithium batteries and polymers used as binder or separator materials to exploit a positive temperature coefficient of resistivity.

Supervisors: Prof. Andrew L Hector, Dr Nuria Garcia-Araez

Background: MEng Chem Eng (2017) University of Sheffield

Project: Development and techno-economic analysis of silicon anodes for lithium ion batteries

Scope: Silicon anodes show great promise in improving the specific energy of lithium ion batteries however the durability of this material needs to be improved drastically by altering the synthesis procedure and therefore the micro- and nanoscale properties. A techno-economic analysis will be carried out on the refined synthesis procedure of silicon anodes and their potential end-user applications (electric vehicle, grid storage, mobile technology).

Supervisors: Prof. Siddharth Patwardhan, Dr Solomon Brown

Background: MPhys Physics, University of Southampton (2013)

Project: Integrated Energy Storage for Smart Textile Applications

Scope: For the realisation of truly autonomous smart textiles (capable of self-powering and interaction between the user and the environment) energy storage must be developed to supply power upon request. Currently, energy harvesting offers an intermittent power supply and traditional energy storage is too bulky to be practical. This project looks to develop single-layer electrochemical energy storage devices that can be seamlessly integrated into smart textiles for use in the commercial, defence and health sectors.

Supervisors: Prof. Steve Beeby, Prof. Andy Cruden

Background: MEng Materials Science & Eng, University of Sheffield (2017)

Project: Biotemplating synthesis of sodium-ion cathodes

Scope: Biotemplating is less energy intensive because it utilises lower temperatures and shorter reaction times. This method has been used to synthesis cathode materials, however there is no real understanding of the growth mechanisms during biotemplating synthesis. This project aims to explore the effects biotemplating has on crystal growth on certain structures and why certain particle morphologies appear.

Supervisors: Dr Rebecca Boston, Dr Nik Reeves-McLaren

Sponsor: Lloyds Register

Background: MMath Mathematics, University of Oxford (2012)

Project: Can a reversible solid oxide fuel cell aid a future renewable electricity economy?

Scope: This project seeks to assess the efficacy and cost of reversible solid oxide fuel cells (ReSOFC) as a tool for implementing a small scale, low-carbon distributed energy generation/storage system when interacting with a larger grid. To this end a microgrid simulation will be constructed using AnyLogic software.

Supervisors: Dr Solomon Brown, Dr Rachel Rothman

Sponsor: Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

Background: MEng Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield (2013), Engineer at W.S. Atkins

“After working as an Electrical Engineer in the Rail Industry for the past 5 years, I really wanted to get back to research and development of new technologies that can actually make a difference. Energy Storage will impact the way all of us live our lives in the coming years, and I think It's a really exciting field to get involved with and contribute towards.”

Background: BSc Mathematics, University of East Anglia (2014); MSc Energy Engineering, University of East Anglia (2017)

“Throughout my degree in Mathematics, I was particularly interested in modules concerning applied mathematics with real world applications. As a result, I decided to pursue studies in engineering. The discipline of energy particularly stood out as a field with huge potential growth and an area where I could use my talents to make a genuine positive difference by working to combat climate change. After studying Energy Engineering, it occurred to me that the subject of energy storage has a potentially high number of underdeveloped topics. It is my belief that it will not be until there have been significant technological advancements in energy storage that key areas, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles, will truly become viable on a mainstream scale. It is for these reasons that I have decided to dedicate my academic future towards the study of energy storage and I consider the CDT-ESA an ideal program for me to improve my knowledge, complete significant research and hopefully one day become a leading expert in the field.”

Background: MSci Physics with a year in Europe, Imperial College London (2018)

“As a physicist with a keen interest in environmental affairs, I can think of few more compelling areas of research than that of energy storage. Thanks to its tremendous potential to improve the efficiency of sustainable energy technologies and reduce reliance on harmful fossil fuels, energy storage has become a hotbed of research and development. Not only does this make it an incredibly exciting time to be contributing towards this important field, but also the pressing need to deliver low carbon targets adds a real sense of urgency. My background in physics has given me a strong appetite for problem solving and so I look forward to the opportunity to tackle one of the greatest challenges currently facing society. Additionally, as a nature-lover I am interested in trying to protect the environment and am highly motivated to contribute via my project where I can make a positive change.”

Background: MEng Civil Engineering, University of Exeter (2015), Scientific Officer, Bennamann Ltd

“Since graduating I worked in a start-up engineering company designing Biomethane fuel tanks for heavy goods vehicles. During this time I was inspired by talks from Iveco and presentations at Low Carbon Vehicle events and wanted to be part of the solution. I hope to become an expert in my field with the Energy Storage CDT.”

Background: MEng Aerospace Engineering with a year in industry, University of Sheffield (2017)

“My initial interest in energy storage stemmed from my love of cars mixed with a drive to contribute in stopping climate change. After leaning more and more about energy storage, it became clear that it could help with many challenges across the energy and transport sectors. I knew then that this would be the right field for me. A PhD from the CDT will equip me with the knowledge and skills to place me at the forefront of research in energy storage. I have a lot to learn and am very excited by the prospect,”

Background: MSc Space Engineering, Univerity of Southampton (2017)

'While studying Space Systems Engineering, I realised that there were many similarities between the engineering challenges faced in space and on Earth, particularly those to do with energy production and storage. It was then that I knew how I could use what I had learnt in my degree, in a way that could benefit people in everyday life and the planet itself. Renewables are the future and with the ever-growing support for sustainable energy, it is even more important to create effective energy storage solutions which are accessible to everyone. When I found out about the CDT, I saw a fantastic opportunity to apply my engineering background to something that could help save the environment and make a real difference on a global scale.”

Background: BEng Mechancial Engineering, University of Dundee (2016), MSc Product Design (2017), Engineer at AGM Batteries Ltd.

“After I completed my master’s degree, I joined AGM Batteries as an Engineer. Through my role, I learned a lot about batteries and its potential to change our society. Wanting to develop a specialised skill, I decided to apply to CDT-ESA. I believe that this opportunity will enable me to utilise my experience, gain new insights and contribute to the advancement of battery technology.”

Background: MSci Chemical Physics with industrial experience, University of Bristol (2018)

“I first became interested in renewable technologies after researching photoelectrochemical water splitting in my master's project. I chose the CDT as energy storage technology is crucial going forwards and the program will put me in a position to make a positive impact to society and environment.”

Background: MEng Chemical Engineering, University of Sheffield (2018)

“After studying Chemical Engineering and reading articles in popular science journals I became interested in advanced technologies and how they can be applied to renewable energy sources and energy storage. These interests lead me to the ESA-CDT as I pursued a career in research in this rapidly advancing sector. The opportunity to work in such an open environment with peers from a variety of academic backgrounds was a really appealing feature of the course.”