PhD in Development of Advanced Diagnostic Methods for Lithium-Ion Batteries

This fully funded PhD 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 demonstrated the feasibility of using new frequency response methods to characterise automotive batteries and diagnose their state of health (SOH). The ability to quantify battery SOH is a pre-requisite for the successful commercialisation of battery systems within electric vehicles and other sectors.

This PhD studentship will combine recent advances in accelerated battery test methods with model-based and data science techniques to estimate battery health and expected battery life. It is envisaged that this research will include, but is not constrained too:

• Extend our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of battery degradation and health assessment.
• Understand the transferability of existing battery test methodologies between different battery technologies and the scientific / engineering challenge of scaling-up battery-cell level methods through to complete battery systems.
• To design a new diagnostic test methodology, combining: experimental-modelling-data science techniques to reduce the cost and time required to quantify SOH with an electric vehicle battery pack.

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.

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.

Funding and Eligibility

Standard PhD at UKRI rates: £17,668 plus £4000 top-up.

Funding is available to eligible Home fee statusLink opens in a new window and UK domicile EU students.

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: Industry Funded

Stipend: £17,668 + £4000 top up

Supporting company: AMETEK

Supervisor: Prof James Marco

Available to UK nationals and Home fees students

Start date: June 2023