SPIRE 2 energy storage project opens for tidal researchers

Strathclyde University is looking for PhD researchers who would work on materials-based research topics in tidal energy sector as part of the SPIRE 2 energy storage project.

Strathclyde University is offering PhD research opportunities related to the effects of sea water, sediment flow, and bio-fouling on the durability of tidal turbine composites.

The research is part of the €6.7 million cross-border SPIRE 2 project, led by Ulster University, which aims to develop a range of consumer-owned energy storage devices to help meet current and future electricity market needs.

The projects will be based in Glasgow but linked to the energy modelling projects based in the University of Ulster, Queens University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Tidal energy-related research work, separated under two PhD research posts, will be used to develop erosion-corrosion models over the structures.

A bio-fouling erosion-corrosion map will be created for turbine performance based on the results, and small scale testing of erosion-corrosion in simulated sea water will be used to evaluate and verify the models, according to the Strathclyde University.

In addition to tidal PhD research positions, Strathclyde University has also three available PhD positions for wind turbine materials research, as part of the same project.

All positions are open for applications until November 23, 2017.

The SPIRE 2 project is funded by the EU’s Interreg VA programme, with the match-funding provided by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation in Ireland and the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland.