Development Of Hydropower Converters For Very Low Head Differences
School of Civil Engineering and the Environment
We are seeking an independent and motivated graduate to fill an EU funded studentship to develop hydropower converters for very low head differences and free stream applications.
The work will involve experimental research combined with theoretical modeling in order to develop the fundamental geometry and performance characteristics of a floating free stream energy converter. The project is part of a European Research Project (HYLOW).. The successful candidate is expected to spend several periods of 3-4 weeks in other European Universities.
The project is led by Dr Gerald Muller at the University of Southampton.
Project background
Hydropower with head differences below 2.5 m, together with the energy of free streams (river or tidal) constitute a major but hitherto untapped resource. The UK alone is estimated to have a potential of 600 - 1000 MW in low head hydropower. Standard turbine technology is not cost effective, and ecologically questionable. Recently, a new type of energy converter - the hydrostatic pressure converter - was developed at Southampton University. The energy converter utilizes the hydrostatic pressure differential between up- and downstream of a barrier in e.g. a river. Theoretical investigation and initial experiments have shown this converter to have acceptable efficiencies, whilst offering the potential to be cost-effective and ecologically acceptable. A significant amount of development however still has to be done; in particular for free stream applications.
Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 class degree (or equivalent) in an engineering subject (civil, mechanical or environmental engineering). A good background and experience in the area of physical modeling in hydraulic engineering will be considered an advantage.
Please contact Dr Gerald Müller (email g.muller@soton.ac.uk) if you wish to discuss details of the project informally.
Interviews will be held at the University of Southampton on Friday, 2 May 2008.
Application forms and notes for guidance should be completed online, from http://www.soton.ac.uk/postgraduate/pgstudy/howdoiapplypg.html or by contacting:
Jacqui Holmes
School of Civil Engineering and the Environment
University of Southampton
Highfield Campus
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
UK
(email : pgrprog@soton.ac.uk)
Application deadline: 25 April 2008
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