Dynamic Analysis of Particle-Based Long-Duration Energy Storage Systems

About the Project

This PhD focuses on the dynamic operation and intelligent control of particle-based long-duration energy storage systems under highly variable renewable energy input. As power systems increasingly depend on wind and solar generation, their inherent intermittency introduces major challenges for grid stability, flexibility, and efficient energy management. This research addresses these challenges by developing advanced methodologies for the optimal real-time operation of a high-temperature particle-based storage system.

The primary objective is to enable intelligent, real-time decision-making for charging and discharging operations under uncertain and rapidly changing renewable conditions. The system must dynamically respond to fluctuations in renewable supply, electricity demand, and price signals while maintaining high efficiency, operational reliability, and thermal safety. To achieve this, the project will develop predictive, physics-informed, and data-driven control frameworks that integrate system dynamics, renewable forecasting, and operational constraints.

Key research areas include transient system modelling, thermodynamic modelling, model predictive control, and AI-enabled energy management strategies capable of handling multi-timescale behaviour in both energy storage and renewable generation systems. The work will also explore digital twin technologies to support real-time monitoring, optimisation, and adaptive control of system performance.

The successful candidate will join a large international consortium comprising five leading UK industrial partners and more than 20 academic and research institutions across the UK, Europe, and the USA. This provides a unique opportunity to work in a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment spanning industry and academia, ensuring strong exposure to both cutting-edge research and real-world energy system applications.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

Funding

This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. The start date is October 2026.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.