Project opportunity
This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.
The aim of the project is to use general systems modelling approaches to investigate large-scale, low-cost, low-emission hydrogen production network in Australia, including systemic feasibility, sustainability and potential volumes.
Hydrogen is identified as one of the key alternatives to fossil fuels and renewable hydrogen production is a principal factor for moving towards the “green future”. Australia reserves a large amount of solar and wind resources which can be potentially used to produce hydrogen. However, the industry level for renewable energy-based hydrogen has not been realised yet in Australia despite many pilot projects currently undergoing. On the other hand, Australia is one leading exporter of coal and natural gas globally. This provides an opportunity for massive growth in fossil fuel-based hydrogen production in a relatively short period, but the challenge is in the step-by-step introduction of renewable components. Therefore, this project will explore a synergistic approach indicating a transition from the fossil fuel-based production of hydrogen to an increasingly renewable hydrogen network. The primary methodology of the work is the modelling of complex systems, including but not limited to system dynamics and agent-based modelling, modelling of reacting flows and heat transfer. Systems modelling examines a “bigger picture”, allowing comprehensive simulations of complex systems. The project involves broad research topics including
- Developing a general framework for systems modelling by combining general systems theory with the most recent and most advanced methodologies of multiscale modelling.
- Applying the general framework to analyse and model different technical pathways in the evolution of green hydrogen production from renewable and/or fossil fuel energies.
- Tackling identified technical challenges in such as electrolysis, hydrogen storage and transport, hydrogen production network, etc.
Successful PhD candidates will be a part of the Energy Future centre at the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering working on hydrogen and various renewable energies and have the chance to work with the rising hydrogen industry not only in Australia and also in Japan and Germany and world-class experts in the area.
Scholarship value
As a scholarship recipient, you'll receive:
- living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually
- tuition fees covered
- single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Supervisor
School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
Email: a.klimenko@uq.edu.au
Preferred educational background
Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.
We take into account your
- previous academic record
- publication record
- honours and awards
- employment history.
A working knowledge of basic chemical processes, thermodynamics, fluid mechanic and modelling would be of benefit to someone working on this project.
The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of mechanical or chemical engineering or applied mathematics or physics and the potential for scholastic success.
A background or knowledge of systems approach, modelling, cfd and hydrogen is highly desirable.
Latest commencement date
If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 3, 2023. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date.
If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.
How to apply
You apply for this project as part of your PhD program application.