Innovative Design of Turbo-Compressors for High-Temperature Heat Pumps
Develop advanced mechanical and electrical models for high-pressure ratio compressors in industrial heat pumps.
Best for:Best for mechanical engineering graduates with expertise in computational modeling, rotodynamic analysis, and thermal management, seeking a PhD opportunity in energy-efficient systems.
Overview
This PhD position at Brunel University London focuses on advancing turbo-compressor design for industrial high-temperature heat pumps. The successful candidate will work on creating models for compressor arrangement selection, reduced-order mechanical and electrical system analysis, and multi-objective optimization. The research will integrate thermal management, rotodynamic analysis, and computational fluid dynamics to validate designs. The project aims to enhance efficiency and performance in heat pump systems, with collaboration on aerodynamic design from a parallel project. The role is ideal for those passionate about mechanical engineering and computational modeling with a strong interest in energy systems.
What you'll do
- Develop models for selecting compressor arrangements suitable for high-pressure ratios in industrial heat pumps.
- Create reduced-order models for analyzing mechanical and electrical systems, including thermal management considerations.
- Conduct multi-objective optimization to refine compressor designs for efficiency and performance.
- Coordinate with parallel aerodynamic design projects to integrate mechanical and aerodynamic aspects.
- Validate designs using finite element analysis, rotodynamic models, and computational fluid dynamics with conjugate heat transfer.
- Present research findings at conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
- Collaborate with academic and industry partners to advance the field of high-temperature heat pump technology.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent qualification
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; Good proficiency (equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90)
Instruction: English
- Strong background in mechanical engineering principles
- Experience with computational modeling, preferably in mechanical or thermal systems
- Familiarity with rotodynamic analysis and thermal management concepts
- Proficiency in using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software
- Ability to conduct multi-objective optimization studies
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English
- Open to EU and non-EU candidates under MSCA eligibility rules
- No prior experience cap, but relevant academic background is essential
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30 (Europe/London)
Applicants must submit their CV, a cover letter outlining their research interests and suitability for the project, and academic transcripts through the university’s careers portal. A research proposal may also be required. Ensure all documents are in English and meet the specified language proficiency standards.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor's degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Research proposal (optional, but recommended)
Contact
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