Download PhD Research Studentships - Glasgow Caledonian University

PhD Research Studentships
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Project Reference Number: REG2016_SEBE7_v3
Project Title: Analytical methods for understanding the chemical breakdown of liquid and solid
electrical insulation
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship within the School of Engineering and Built
Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University. The studentship is for a period of three years, subject to
satisfactory progress and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend of £14,800
[please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between International and
EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum].
Research Discipline areas
Analytical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Engineering
Research Theme(s)
Efficient Systems
Energy monitoring, Diagnostics and Sensors Systems Research Group
Project Description
Background
Ensuring the integrity of chemical and solid electrical insulation within High Voltage (HV) equipment, such as
power transformers and generators, is vital for the continuity and sustainability of electrical power supplies.
The chemical breakdown of electrical insulation can lead to serious electrical failures occurring resulting in loss
of HV equipment, loss of electricity, expensive replacement strategies and significant economic consequences
for both commercial businesses and society in general. Hence it is imperative that analytical methodologies
are investigated to identify chemical changes in insulation materials as a result of high voltage exposure.
Aim
The PhD will investigate and produce new methods and approaches to evaluate and understand the chemical
breakdown characteristics and mechanisms associated with both solid and liquid insulation systems under a
variety of electrical stress conditions. By correlating electrical breakdown with changes in chemical
composition of these materials an understanding of chemical breakdown in insulating materials will be
obtained.
The outputs of the project will provide an improved understanding of the HV electrical breakdown and provide
improved integrity and condition monitoring assessment methods which enhance maintenance and lifetime
asset management of equipment.
Application Details
The candidate should possess a relevant 1st or 2.1 Honours degree and have a strong background in two or
more of the following three areas:
(a) Physical Chemistry or Chemical Physical or Physics
(b) Experience with analytical measurement methods e.g. FTIR, Raman, AFM etc.
(c) Data evaluation and statistical methods
It is anticipated that the candidate will liaise with industrial partners, relevant industrial and academic
personnel and that he/she will have to travel nationally/internationally for meetings and conference
presentations.
Contact:
For further project information, please contact Dr Sheila Smith, Tel no: 0044 141 331 3552, or email:
[email protected]
How to Apply:
Application forms are available here and once completed should be returned to
[email protected]
Please state the Project Title on the completed application form and return to this email address.
The closing date for applications is 10th August 2016