The University of Manchester — Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Supervisor: Dr Christopher Brown
Applications accepted all year round. Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only).
About the Project
Geothermal energy supports net zero targets and energy security by providing a reliable, low-carbon, local energy source. Minewater geothermal systems represent a largely untapped resource that often coincides with major population centres across the UK, but their use has been limited by technical uncertainties in open-loop systems. This PhD project will investigate the interactions between borehole heat exchangers (BHEs)/closed-loop technology and flooded minewater systems, with the aim of developing low-risk, high-performance geothermal energy solutions. The PhD will examine high-density polyethylene U-tube systems suspended in minewater voids, focussing on: i) their comparative performance to grouted BHEs, ii) the influence of minewater circulation on thermal efficiency and heat plume evolution; iii) predicting flow pathways in a real-world case study emulating a system with high throughflow rates and their implications for system performance; and iv) the potential of thermal energy storage to enhance overall efficiency.
The project will apply a mixed-methods approach combining numerical modelling, field experimentation, and hydrothermal analysis. Numerical simulations will be carried out using FEFLOW (or COMSOL/alternative) to represent coupled heat, flow, and transport processes in minewater systems, with additional model development and customisation undertaken in MATLAB or Python to extend capabilities and explore sensitivity analyses. Experimental data from controlled experiments at the Glasgow Geoenergy Observatory will provide direct evidence of hydro-thermal responses and subsurface characterisation, which will help to determine sustainable resource use when coupled to a suspended U-tube system. All datasets will be integrated into a comprehensive data analysis workflow, using statistical and forward modelling methods to calibrate and validate numerical models. This combined approach ensures robust understanding of heat exchanger/minewater interactions and supports the development of predictive tools and operational guidelines for effective deployment.
The student will receive a comprehensive programme of training to support both technical and professional development. Core technical training will include in-house numerical modelling sessions, supplemented by access to specialised FEFLOW online courses to build expertise in coupled heat and flow simulations.
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; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate 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.
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.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.
We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
Funding Notes
This 3.5-year PhD project is fully funded; students who are eligible to pay tuition fees at the Home rate 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.
We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.