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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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

Project: The impact on energy storage of different pathways to the decarbonisation of heat– a whole systems approach.

Supervisors: Dr Solomon Brown & Prof. Martin Mayfield, University of Sheffield

Sponsor: Energy Systems Catapult

This project seeks to understand how, in the long-term, the techno-economic optimum deployment and operation of energy storage will change depending on decisions made with regards to the decarbonisation of the U.K. heat system in the near term leading up to the 5th Carbon Budget. The project will utilise the Storage and Flexibility Model, developed by the Energy Technologies Institute, to model energy storage over multiple energy vectors.

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)

"I believe that energy storage will be crucial for the transition to a low carbon, sustainable economy. During my Masters’ degree, I enjoyed learning about the challenges of providing secure energy supplies at an acceptable cost whilst minimising harm to the environment. After graduating I trained to teach Physics. My teaching career allowed me to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm for science; however, I had not given up on the desire to undertake further research. The programme offered by the CDT provided a route back into higher education, allowing me to build on my previous interdisciplinary studies and undertake original research."

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

“After I completed my MEng I spent over three years modelling gas turbine thermodynamic cycles for the UK Government. A growing desire to broaden my skills while getting involved with addressing global needs led me to look for a new opportunity – the Energy Storage CDT offers the perfect opportunity to start down this road with its blend of high quality teaching, superb research Universities and facilities, and excellent industry connections. I hope to emerge into a varied and growing arena with the transferable skills, confidence and adaptability required to make a contribution both to sustainable global energy provision and also to the UK’s position in the field.”

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

"Through my degree in Natural sciences I found a passion for renewable energy. This interest lead to a project in solar energy involving improving efficiencies of luminescent solar concentrators to increase the power output of solar cells. With the movement of energy generation to a renewable regime the importance of energy storage became clear to me as one of the major obstacles in the energy sector.  With my background spanning several subject areas such as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics I believe the CDT in energy storage will present an interdisciplinary challenge that allows me to utilise and further develop the knowledge I have in these areas."

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

"While I was halfway through my undergraduate degree back in Mexico at UAM Azcapotzalco, I knew that I had to focus on something that would help to reduce the environmental impact, and that's when I decided to focus my studies on understand and improve existing technologies to obtain energy from renewable resources. Then, I realized that energy storage technology is critical to the sustainable development of a country.  That said, the CDT is my best option to continue my studies, and I am sure that I will obtain the necessary knowledge to be able to help develop the technologies needed to make this world a better place to live. We all make choices in life, but in the end our choices make us."

Background: MSci Chemistry, University of Nottingham (2017)

"I joined the CDT after completing a Masters in chemistry at the University of Nottingham. My interest in sustainability developed there, and I wanted to continue working in an area that supports it. The way the CDT is structured really appealed to me, and energy storage struck me as a very important area that will only become more crucial as we move toward renewable energy. I also thought that not only way is it important but that it was something that I find incredibly interesting and that I can contribute to in a meaningful way. I am keen to contribute to energy policy development."

Background: BSc Chemistry (2017), University of Southampton

"With the continual development of renewable energy and the recent announcement by the UK Government for the electrification of all new cars by 2040, I saw now as the best time as there ever will be to get involved in energy storage. An integrated PhD with the CDT-ESA gives me a great opportunity to gain qualifications in a field which is both relevant to society as well as being incredibly interesting. More than anything I want my 4 years with the CDT to make a positive contribution towards lowering the emissions of carbon and to reduce the impact of global warming." 

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

“During my third year at university, I worked on a project looking to design secondary zinc-air cells. The information I learned during this project meshed well with my experience in previous years and my chemistry knowledge, reinvigorating my interest in chemistry and energy storage. I furthered this by taking not only chemical storage modles in my final year but also cryogenics and some more general sustainability modules. The CDT attracted me later on as it was a great chance to meet like minded individuals interested in energy storage and industrial and academic partners who may open my eyes and make me more aware of the current energy storage issues. In future, I hope to make contributions to this field and work within the industry.”

Background: MEng Chem Eng (2017) University of Sheffield

"Energy in its various forms is something which we control and depend on every day. It is the unseen lifeblood of modern society, and therefore it is of great importance. We desperately need toimprove the way we manage our energy - its production, its storage, its distribution. Finding a solution (or solutions) to this need is something I have a huge interest in, an interest that has been nurtured through the completion of my undergraduate degree and various research projects. I wanted to apply my skills in the field of energy and the ESA-CDT was the perfect opportunity for me to do this. By embarking on this CDT programme I hope to make valuable contributions to the forefront energy storage technologies, and develop myself so that I can continue to contribute to an evolving energy landscape."

Background: MPhys Physics, University of Southampton (2013)

"Having researched magnetic materials for 4 years at the National Physical Laboratory I have been interested in greener futures and energy storage systems are a key component of that research landscape. The ESA-CDT allows me to study this incredibly interesting and impactful topic while also re-skilling and training. The balance of research and industrial engagement really drew me to the research group. "

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

Sponsor: Lloyds Register

"My masters project was on bio synthesis of sodium ion cathode material, which kindled my interest in the energy storage sector. With the growth in electric vehicles and renewable energy, this is an exciting time to be part of the industry. What drew me to the CDT was the chance to work in a multidisciplinary group, which in my experience I found the best way to solve problems and broaden my knowledge about the sector, from the national grid to social science aspects. I hope such exposure will help to broaden my knowledge which will help me throughout my PhD project."

Background: MMath Mathematics, University of Oxford (2012)

Sponsor: Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

"I have been interested in green energy for a long time, simply because I care about the natural world and our place in it, and can see the magnitude of the danger posed by climate change. So when I decided to move back to academia after a spell in teaching, I looked for opportunities in renewable energy and was very happy to find the CDT. For my PhD thesis, I will be working on a project modelling the deployment of solid oxide fuel cells in power networks."