Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
As power systems move towards greater levels of generation from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, there is a growing need for deep energy storage to maintain stable power supply. Pumped storage hydropower is a technology that offers deep energy storage with unparalleled capacity and power output. With a high cycle efficiency and zero emissions, pumped storage hydropower is playing a key role in the transition to renewable energy. A key component in pumped hydro systems is the pump- turbine that converts electrical energy to potential energy in pump mode, and potential energy to electrical energy in turbine model. Variable speed pump turbines are a relatively new technology that can provide variable pumping load and fast energy exchanges to rapid changes in supply and demand, features not available to fixed speed machines. This project aims to improve the efficiency of pump hydro energy storage (PHES) through improved understanding of pump turbine dynamics and how this can be utilised in the Tasmanian power system. The project will investigate the ability of these systems to rapidly change between pumping and generating modes and rapid changes in machine load. The study will utilise a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental testing using a purpose built test facility in the School of Engineering, University of Tasmania.
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Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:
- Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact A/Prof Alan Henderson to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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