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.

"After graduating from Warwick University with a Masters in Mechanical Engineering I worked for 3 years in the Subsea Engineering industry. I worked on a variety of projects from designing offshore pipelines for installation in Africa to maintaining the integrity of offshore pipelines in the UK. I enjoyed my work, however in the future my aim is to work on long term research based projects. I therefore joined the ESA CDT and am excited to be conducting research in a field of such high importance that will expand greatly in the future."

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.

"Having previously worked at the UK Committee on Climate Change, undertaking techno-economic research on options to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, I was looking for a new challenge and keen to use my background in materials science to contribute in a more practical way. Given the essential role for energy storage in moving to a low-carbon economy (from grid-level storage for balancing intermittent renewable generation, to light and low-cost batteries for electric vehicles) and the interesting materials challenges involved, the opportunity to join the CDT was perfect. I’m looking forward to carrying out an industrially-relevant research project which brings energy storage closer to competing with traditional energy sources."

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.

"Having acquired a broad introduction to energy issues from my previous degrees, I got extremely interested in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technologies, as a way to promote and achieve a carbon free economy. Realising how important energy storage is in this direction and that the current technologies are inefficient, I decided to join the ESA-CDT to face the current energy challenges. Other academic interests include air pollution, climate change, biofuels and water engineering. Having passion for research and production of new knowledge since my undergraduate years, I am excited to be a part of the CDT."

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.

"Between my 3rd and 4th years I spent 8 weeks at the National Physical Laboratory characterising the electrical properties of graphene hall devices for sensing purposes. Throughout my degree I became increasingly interested in the energy and environmental issues that we face as a modern society. I therefore jumped at the opportunity to join the Energy Storage CDT where I can further understand the energy issues we face and hopefully contribute to future energy solutions."

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, developing a heat supply chain model making use of waste heat from a nearby industrial lead smelter in the Darley Dale.

"At every possible opportunity in my undergraduate course I took environmental based modules and developed an interest in the impact that our society has on the planet. My two main projects looked into improving the efficiency of a series of heat exchangers and sterilizing hospital waste. I chose to do this CDT as I wanted to use my engineering abilities to help tackle climate change."

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

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.

"I decided to join the CDT in Energy Storage as I wanted to work within such a rapidly expanding and important area of current research. I have backgrounds in both chemistry and minerals engineering and have held jobs in both the oil industry and mining industry. My past jobs include working for Shell Global Solutions researching friction reducing fuel additives. Atacama Minerals Chile researching the modelling and optimisation of iodine leaching operations. I have spent the last couple of years as a Metallurgist for SGS Minerals Services running lab scale mineral processing projects. I am particularly interested in working in research and development into new battery technologies."

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.

"After graduating, I began working for GE Water & Process Technologies as an analyst, but quickly found myself eager to return to the world of science. As a keen electronics and programming hobbyist with interests in technical design, I felt that I may be more suited to a career in engineering than in pure science. I joined the CDT Energy Storage with the aim of developing into a professional engineer with the ability to make an impact on world energy storage technology."

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.

"I became motivated to work in the renewable energy sector during my third year undergraduate project `assessing the technical feasibility of a patent for a new solar energy technology’. Following this, for my final year project I chose to investigate the performance of UK domestic photovoltaic installations. When I came across the Energy storage CDT, I knew it would be the perfect start to my career. It provides me with the opportunity to learn about core energy storage technologies before I decide in which specific area I would like to focus my research. Energy storage is one of the key factors enabling the move towards utilisation of renewable energy sources and I hope to make a significant contribution to the development of future technologies."

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.

"I applied to join the CDT programme because I am passionate about modernizing the energy industry in order to reduce carbon emissions. Effective energy storage is one of the major challenges which faces this industry and the chance working in this exciting and turbulent field is what drives me. My undergraduate degree is in mechanical engineering with advanced materials so I am hoping to apply my knowledge to and bring a different perspective to my research."

Background: MEng Civ Eng, University of Sheffield (2013), Modeller for Clear Environmental (2013-2015)

Supervisor: Dr. Dan Gladwin, University of Sheffield

Project: "Investigation into hybrid energy storage for DC rail." Investigating the use of line-side storage in conjunction with vehicle to rail to support electric rail, modelling to optimise overall energy characteristics and demand profiles."

"I worked as a hydraulic modeller after graduating, however I am fascinated by the current challenges society faces in interaction with the environment.During my degree I developed a particular interest in assessing the whole life benefits of different technologies, and my dissertation explored rammed earth building technology as a technique to achieve high thermal mass with low embodied energy. While working in a modelling consultancy I found completion of a research project the most satisfying aspect of my role, so I am excited by the opportunities the Energy Storage CDT gives me to research sustainable solutions for our thirst for energy."

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

Supervisor: Prof. Andrew Cruden, University of Southampton

Project: "Recycling and life cycle analysis of aluminium ion batteries." Design, develop, test and validate a recycling process for Al-ion batteries, life cycle analysis of environmental impacts from extraction of raw materials, production/manufacture, distribution, usage and end of life.

"As part of the final year of my degree I did two energy storage related projects. The first was a research project on an analysis of the integration of electrochemical battery energy storage into the UK's national grid with wind power and the second was a multidisciplinary project to carry out a design and feasibility study on a 100MWh SMES system. Through these projects I gained an interest and an appreciation of the significance of energy storage and hence I joined the CDT for Energy Storage as it allows me to further my knowledge and contribution in the field whilst working with leading experts and industry."

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

Supervisor: Prof. Suleiman Sharkh, 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.

"After my physics degree specialising in solid state and atmospheric physics, I worked for two years at the metrology company Renishaw. Though it was fun and educational, I was keen to take my formal education further. The CDT in energy storage seems a perfect opportunity to learn about a vital component of renewable power that has lagged far behind the modest progress of renewable sources themselves. I hope to be able to put my computer modelling skills and theoretical knowledge to good use and actually benefit society just a little bit some day."

Background: MEng Mech Eng Imperial College London (2015)

Supervisor: Prof. Beverley Inkson, University of Sheffield

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.

"My masters project involved studying solid electrolyte materials for lithium batteries which led to an interest in further exploring materials for the energy storage sector. However as energy storage is a multi-faceted challenge I felt a broader overview of the industry was needed before focussing on a project. The CDT provided the perfect opportunity to both obtain a broad overview and study interesting materials science which will help towards my goal of a career in the industry."

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.

"My desire to undertake the four year CDT Energy Storage program came from the fact that it will allow me to increase my understanding of the energy storage sector from a much broader range such as the technologies, analytical procedures and social economical aspects surrounding energy storage on the whole. Given that the centre draws on disciplines from more than one area of expertise when approaching questions of research to gain an insight from different angles, I look forward to being part of the cohort where I can discover key concepts from the other disciplines whilst offering my own knowledge in future projects should it be helpful."

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.

"Throughout my undergraduate degree in Chemistry i became increasingly interested in sustainable economies and specifically the energy industry. I knew grew to understand the importance of energy storage systems and was drawn to the ESA CDT as it offered the opportunity to build on my understanding of chemistry, and develop a new understanding of the challenges  faced within the energy storage sector taught from academic experts within the first year. I’m looking forward to progressing onto a PhD project which i am highly motivated towards and personally invested in."

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. 

"Throughout my degree I enjoyed expanding my knowledge on energy industry. The continual increase of energy demand and the increased use of natural sources for energy generation create a need for a more efficient source of energy storage. Energy storage also plays a vital role on green generation and stability of power distribution. For this reason, I decided to join Energy Storage CDT to address and hopefully bring a new perspective to energy storage problem. I wanted to be a part of this team as it is integrated with industry."

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2015)

Supervisor: Prof. Andrew Cruden, University of Southampton

Project: "Exploring the use of in-car EV batteries for energy storage." Addressing the technology to store electric energy for transport use, modelling to reduce overall energy demand via new, in car and second life EV batteries as line-side storage.

"I chose to be part of the ESA CDT for various reasons, including world-class teaching at both Southampton and Sheffield University as well as the strong bonds between the CDT and a number of partners in industry. Further, the field of energy storage is not only an interesting challenge, but also becomes increasingly important in our attempt to find more sustainable energy sources. By completing this program I expect to become a skilled expert in this field while further widening my knowledge in different engineering disciplines."

Background: MChem University of Sheffield (2015)

Supervisor: Prof. Tony West, University of Sheffield

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.

"Having thoroughly enjoyed the four years I spent at the University of Sheffield , I am now looking forward to continuing my studies in Sheffield, whilst benefitting from the opportunity to work alongside students and staff at the University of Southampton . I believe that the way forward depends on scientists engaging in collaborative and cross-disciplinary work, as good practice often develops when those with diverse backgrounds and specialisms work together.  This is what attracted me to working on the ESA CDT research programme and I am confident that through collaborative working, we can solve the demand for efficient energy storage."

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

Supervisor: Dr. Rachael Rothman, University of Sheffield

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.

"I have joined this CDT program with a background in engineering with bachelors and masters degrees from two top universities. The global energy trilemma, particularly the difficulties regarding effective energy storage, are becoming increasingly important to global industry, it is this which is the interest of my academic research. This interest in energy storage, combined with the CDT's intimate relationships with industry allows me to undertake further research to find sustainable energy storage solutions."

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.

"In the summer prior to my final year I was on placement within the Tyndall Centre for climate change research' at the University of Manchester. This experience working along side researchers and academics spurred me on to peruse my interest in sustainability and the environment at a higher academic level. I chose the Energy Storage and its Applications CDT because of the importance of energy storage in the role of improving the environmental characteristics of the energy network."

Background: BEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2016)

"During my undergraduate degree at the University of Southampton, my main interest was the automotive sector, thus I became aware of the large impact it has upon the global CO2 emissions. I believe that a solution for this problem is implementing storage systems which capture green energy on a large scale, so joining this CDT became a great opportunity to research this subject. Besides offering the chance of learning more about various storage technologies, this centre is also a fantastic environment for developing new ideas together with like-minded people. I am hoping that through my future research projects I will be able to contribute towards the development of the automotive sector, however I am open for every exciting opportunity in any energy storage sector possible."

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

"My interest in renewable energy goes back to building a waterwheel on the stream at my parents' house as a teenager. I have returned to formal study after six years in industry as I have increasingly enjoyed working on fundamental problems (porous materials characterisation, diffusion) and want to improve my long term career prospects as a researcher. I'm particularly interested in developing next generation batteries. That said, the CDT appealed to me as it will allow me to study the overall energy generation and storage landscape before committing to a particular project"

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2016)

"During the third year of my undergraduate degree, I completed a project that aimed to characterise an organic redox flow battery. Through my work on the project, I further developed my pre-existing interest in sustainable energy, particularly in energy storage. During my final year, I selected modules to increase the depth and breadth of my knowledge of the area. The CDT in energy storage and its applications provided an ideal opportunity for me to use and improve this knowledge to make a contribution to the field and to kick-start a career in the industry."

Background: MEng Mech Eng University of Southampton (2016)

“Having worked as a transmission design engineer with a number of motor sport teams, I have seen energy storage play an increasingly important role in the automotive and motor sport fields. The CDT for energy storage provides the perfect environment to communicate with a wide range of industrial partners, allowing me to pursue industry relevant problems, and to apply my knowledge of design and manufacture to develop innovative energy storage solutions.” 

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

"As an engineer, I want to be able to solve problems that can improve the well-being of people, and I believe that by working on the energy storage field I can accomplish this objective. My curiosity on the energy field arise during my last months of my undergraduate degree, when I worked as a research assistant on a dye sensitized solar cells project. Later on, this interest combined with my enthusiasm in materials science, drove me to focus my MSc final project on lithium batteries. I chose the ESA CDT because it gives an overview with a multidisciplinary vision of the energy storage field, and gathers interesting people with diverse backgrounds."

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

Supervisor: Dr Xunli Zhang, University of Southampton

Project: "Mechanisms of absorption and uses of silver nanoprisms for energy storage applications." Silver nanoprisms with tailored absorption in the near infrared can be manufactured using microfluidics, and have been shown to be potentially useful for energy efficient glazing, or enhanced heat capture for thermal stores.

"I have a BSc in Chemistry from Portsmouth University and a PhD in materials from Loughborough University obtained in 2003. Having worked previously in a research and development environment, I am finding that I am missing the challenge and enjoyment that research brings. I hope that this integrated PhD would give me meaning, purpose, and direction again in life, while giving me the opportunity to acquire new skills and update existing skills in the exciting and important area of energy storage."

Background: MSci Natural Sciences University of Leeds (2015), Research Scientist for Johnson Matthey (2015-2016)

"During my undergraduate degree I became interested in Li-ion batteries as I discovered the role they were playing in the emergence of electric vehicles. I decided to follow this up by working a year for Johnson Matthey, specifically on researching potential cathode materials. After seeing the developments within the industry, I decided I wanted to pursue a PhD and eventually a career in energy storage. The CDT seemed an ideal fit for me because I wanted to understand more about the energy storage industry as a whole."

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)

"I have spent about 25 years working in the energy industry in a wide variety of roles, but mostly in renewables.  The need for economic energy storage, whether electric or thermal, has been clear on numerous occasions, whether working on combined heat and power, in air-conditioning dominated demand periods in Australia or in securing un-constrained grid connections in the UK.  My main interest is in the integration of energy storage into systems, but I’m keen to explore new ideas and see where they lead."

Rachel recently wrote a letter to her MP regarding the forthcoming Article 50 vote. Her letter can be seen here.

Background: MEng Aerospace Eng University of Sheffield (2016)

"Through my degree in Aerospace Engineering, I gained an interest in the energy sector. This manifested itself during my final year project, where I performed research into battery management spurring my interest in energy storage. This drew me towards the ESA CDT, and I was particularly captured by the multidisciplinary and collaborative approach to the topic, which I have particularly enjoyed previously through my undergraduate studies. Through the CDT, I look forward to gaining a broad understanding of the energy sector and moving onto a more focused PhD project."

Background: MPhys University of Oxford (2015)

Supervisor: Dr Solomon Brown, University of Sheffield

Project: "Investigating the dynamic interaction of a CCGT plant and both renewable power generation and energy storage technologies."

"I wanted to use the analytical skills developed during my degree in physics to help solve the important issues facing the energy industry. Energy storage is a vital component in the overall mission to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels and is a rapidly growing area of interest. For these reasons, I was very attracted to the ESA CDT, and I look forward to collaborating with the other scientists and engineers on the course. I hope to gain a good knowledge of all aspects of energy storage in the first year before pursuing my specific area of interest during the PhD project. The course has such great links with industry that I hope I can gain some industrial experience along the way as well."