EngD in Advanced Battery Diagnostic Methods Using Frequency Methods

Project Overview

AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annualized sales of more than $4.5 billion. AMETEK GB operates over 25 facilities in the UK, performing primarily engineering and manufacturing functions serving diversified markets from research, education, automotive and aerospace applications. The Advanced Measurement Technology (AMT) business unit within AMETEK, has begun expansion of its product offerings to include development of battery diagnostics tools destined for electric vehicle applications and associated markets.

This fully funded EngD studentship represents a unique opportunity to undertake advanced experimental research in close partnership with AMETEK Inc. Recent collaborative research undertaken by WMG and AMETEK has successfully developed new frequency response analyser technology for the characterisation and diagnosis of automotive batteries. The ability to quantify battery “State of Health” (SoH) is a pre-requisite for the successful commercialisation of battery systems within electric vehicles and other sectors.

The aim of this studentship, is to refine and extend this initial innovation through a systematic programme of experimental research into the applicability of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and other electrical characterisation tools, including harmonic analysis, for the accelerated diagnosis of automotive batteries. It is envisaged that this research will include, but is not constrained too:

• Understand the transferability of the methodology between different battery types
• Understand the scalability of the measurement technique from individual battery cells through to complete battery systems
• Identify and quantify key variables within the measurement process that underpin the quality and robustness of the technique.

Drawing upon each research activity, candidates will be expected to design and propose a new framework for quantifying battery SoH for exploitation by AMETEK.

The successful candidate will be embedded within a multi-disciplinary academic team, working in close partnership with the industrial sponsor. To advance your research, you will have access to the unique experimental facilities contained within the WMG Energy Innovation Centre and AMETEK.

Essential and desirable criteria

The ideal candidate will have a strong academic/industrial background in a combination of the following areas: experimental design, data analysis, electrical, electronic or electrochemical engineering. An underpinning interest in energy storage technologies, instrumentation or sustainable mobility will be an advantage.

Funding and Eligibility

The 19/20 rate of stipend for this is £16,509 plus £4000 top-up.

Funding is available for a UK/EU applicant only.

To apply

To apply please complete our online enquiry form and upload your CV.

Please ensure you meet the minimum requirements before filling in the online form.

Key Information:

Funding Source: WMG Studentship

Stipend: £16,509 for 3 years plus £4,000 top-up

Supporting company: AMETEK, Inc

Supervisor: Professor James Marco

Available to UK/EU nationals

Start date: We would ideally like someone to start as soon as possible, but we can offer some flexibility on this - please contact us to discuss.