2x PhD scholarships with the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute
We currently have two PhD scholarships on offer with the Australian Solar Thermal Research Institute (ASTRI).
Project 1: Heliostats
![Heliostat](/sites/default/files/styles/ua_image/public/media/images/2020-03/Tandem%20heliostats.png?itok=kC1pztyx)
Heliostats are arranged in staggered rows surrounding a central tower to maximise the efficiency of thermal energy collected at the receiver. The aerodynamic effects of vortex shedding and wake interference in a heliostat field deviate significantly from the incoming ABL turbulence on a single heliostat, depending on the arrangement of the field and the spacing between the heliostats.
The aim of this project is to develop a detailed understanding of the effect of field arrangement on the dynamic wind loads on heliostats. This is to be achieved through the design of a heliostat field model and the measurement of the wind loads on individual heliostats in wind tunnel experiments. Reduction of the dynamic wind loads on heliostats in different rows of a field due to vortex-induced vibrations from upstream heliostat vortex shedding and turbulence in the atmospheric boundary layer provides an opportunity to reduce the cost of the wind-sensitive heliostat components.
Scholarship details
- Value of scholarship: $28,092 pa, and ASTRI will provide in addition a $10,000 pa (AUD) top-up scholarship
- Duration: 3 years
Applications close 31 October 2020.
Project 2: High-temperature solar receiver technology
Investigate passive methods of convection suppression through laboratory-scale wind and/or water tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling of a cavity receiver to optimise of high-temperature sodium receivers for maximal efficiency and lifetime considering flux, temperature and stress limitations.
Scholarship details
- Value of scholarship: $28,092 pa, and ASTRI will provide in addition a $10,000 pa (AUD) top-up scholarship
- Duration: 3 years
Applications close 31 October 2020.