Sustainable energy management is crucial to mitigating climate change. Roughly 90% of global energy use involves the generation or manipulation of thermal energy, and around 50% of that is wasted. Phase change materials (PCMs) offer the best energy storage density of any thermal storage technology, absorbing and releasing large amounts of latent heat as they melt and solidify.
Recently, our collaborators at the University of Bordeaux, France, have introduced a new range of highly promising PCMs which are now being trialled in thermal battery prototypes for solar power cells. This interdisciplinary PhD project will contribute an important step towards making these batteries commercially viable by developing a ‘charge indicator’ for the battery. This system will create an ultrasound sensing system to monitor the solid/liquid content of the PCM inside a sealed, opaque battery near 400°C. The student will build a benchtop experiment to demonstrate proof-of-concept and test ultrasonic methods at ambient temperatures, then design and test a prototype using a sparse array of high-temperature ultrasonic sensors. If time permits, integration of the ultrasound sensing system with the actual PCM battery prototype will be explored.
Supervisors
Primary Supervisor: Laura Cobus
Other Supervisor(s): Michael Hayes
Key qualifications and skills
We are looking for a student with a strong background in physics or engineering who enjoys hands-on experimental work and is interested in international collaboration.
A basic understanding of acoustic wave propagation is required. Experience using or controlling sensors or sensor arrays would be helpful, but is not a requirement.
Does the project come with funding
Per annum: Stipend of $32,650 plus PhD tuition fees. The project also has up to $5,000 available for research expenses across the duration of the degree.
Funding duration: Three years (360 points)
Final date for receiving applications
27 October 2026
How to apply
This is a UC Commitments Doctoral Scholarship and applications must be made through the Scholarship Portal in your myUC account. Emailed applications will not be considered. Find out more here: University of Canterbury Scholarship Portal - UC Commitments - Ultrasonic monitoring as a charge indicator for thermal batteries
Keywords
physics, engineering, acoustics, ultrasound, materials, thermal, heat, phase change, experimental, sustainability, solar power
