Campaign for Better Transport

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Title: How to hit a moving target: real ambition for a just transition

Abstract: ‘A developed country is not a place where the poor have cars – it’s where the rich use public transportation’ – Gustavo Petro

Are plans for drivers preparations for poverty? Is the Transport Decarbonisation Plan’s insistence on doing the same things differently an abdication of responsibility in a climate emergency? Are policymakers still blinkered by motonormative naivety from the 1950s, holding back the transformation, innovation and investment necessary to hit essential targets for equitable access to affordable and sustainable transport? In the context of a period of significant political change in the UK and a cognitively dissonant framing of a nation of drivers alongside binding yet shifting ambitions on sustainability, accessibility and equity, what does real ambition actually look like? Innovation, infrastructure and investment will all be key.

UCL 

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Title: Net zero polices for land transport: do they improve human health?

Abstract: Reducing carbon emissions is a critical objective for the land transport sector. This has been addressed mainly through policies to increase the use of low-emission vehicles. These policies have global environmental objectives but might contribute to local objectives such as improving human health. However, there is also a risk that these policies deteriorate health. The decarbonisation of the vehicle fleet reduces emissions of local pollutants and noise but, if accompanied by increases in road traffic levels, may aggravate other health-related problems such traffic injuries, lack of physical activity, and the barrier effects of traffic on pedestrian mobility. It may also increase inequalities in the distribution of the environmental and health benefits and costs of transport across age and socio-economic groups. There is an urgent need to design policies that address both environment and health, global and local objectives, while ensuring the transport system is equitable and accessible for all. This requires not only a move to low-emission vehicles but also major reductions in road traffic levels and a shift from private to public transport, walking, and cycling. This shift can only be achieved by combining transport with urban policies such as densification, land use diversity, and more pleasant urban environments. Achieving environmental and health objectives also requires policies that are co-designed across sectors and with local populations, as well as appraisal methods that account for the multiple interactions between transport, health, and the natural and built environment.

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PhD Topic: Understanding, Predicting and Facilitating the Public Acceptability of Environmental Transport Policies Across Demographic Groups

Title: The Use of Large Language Models for Qualitative Research

Abstract: Machine-assisted approaches for free-text analysis are rising in popularity, owing to a growing need to rapidly analyse large volumes of qualitative data. In applied settings, these approaches have promise in providing timely insights into policy perceptions or public sentiment on government action, enabling policymakers to understand their community’s needs. However, current approaches still require expert human interpretation – posing a financial and practical barrier for those in applied settings. For the first time, we propose and validate the Deep Computational Text Analyser (DECOTA) - a novel Machine Learning methodology to automatically analyse large free-text datasets and output concise themes. Building on existing Structural Topic Modelling (STM) approaches, we used two fine-tuned Large Language Models (LLMs) to automatically derive ‘codes’ and their corresponding ‘themes’, as in Inductive Thematic Analysis (TA). To fully automate the process, we designed and validated a novel algorithm to choose the optimal number of ‘topics’ following STM. We demonstrate that this approach automatically derives key codes and themes from free-text data, alongside information about the prevalence of each code, and how prevalence varies with covariates such as age and gender. Each code is accompanied by three representative quotes from the data. Four datasets were independently analysed using a human-only TA approach and triangulated with DECOTA’s codes and themes. We found that DECOTA is significantly faster than human coding, and consistently yields codes in agreement with human coding. The implications for evidence-based policy development, public engagement with policymaking, and tracking public discourse are discussed.

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PhD Topic: Anticipating the Environmental Impacts of Automotive: Integrating Future Energy Systems into Prospective Life Cycle Assessment

Title: A thousand life cycle assessments: what we learn about passenger cars

Abstract: Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool to help determine the whole-life environmental impacts of passenger cars. However, LCA of passenger cars has been received significant scrutiny surrounding assumptions on vehicle parameters and fuel mixes. Our work combines the latest vehicle inventories and climate-aligned scenarios for liquid fuels, electricity, and hydrogen to run thousands of scenario configurations in assessing the robustness of LCA outcomes for passenger vehicles.

Monolith AI

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Title: AI-Guided Validation — An Introduction to Machine-Learning using Battery Data

Abstract: OEMs developing EVs are under immense pressure to deliver vehicles faster amid geopolitical uncertainties, fierce competition, and risk to product quality. Finding ways to shorten testing and validation procedures is crucial to accelerating time to market; yet the highly complex, nonlinear nature of batteries makes it difficult to understand and solve performance problems quickly. Testing and validation in this sector are particularly challenging. AI models trained on time series battery sensor data can reduce testing requirements through predicted results, automatically detect anomalies in long/expensive tests, and also optimize designs of experiments / test plans.

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PhD Topic: Computational Modelling of Hydrogen Combustion in Internal Combustion Engines

Title: Modelling Turbulent Scalar Fluxes for Hydrogen Engine Applications

Abstract: The escalating impacts of global warming demand innovative solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines (H2 ICEs) represent a promising avenue for decarbonizing the transportation sector, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems. However, the effective deployment of H2 ICEs hinges on the development of reliable modelling tools that can accurately predict engine behaviors under operating conditions. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) plays a pivotal role in simulating the intricate fluid dynamics within H2 ICEs, with a particular focus on mixture formation and combustion processes. Despite the advancements over the past two decades, existing CFD models often fall short in accurately predicting the mixture formation, and as it goes the combustion process itself, primarily due to complexities associated with turbulent scalar fluxes. This study addresses these shortcomings by conducting detailed simulations of fundamental turbulent hydrogen mixing, extracting critical variables such as the turbulent scalar flux. Employing Symbolic Regression, a machine learning approach, we derive a new algebraic model that enhances the predictability of turbulent scalar fluxes within these engines. The findings not only pave the way for more refined H2 ICE designs but also contribute to the broader field of CFD and sustainable automotive technology, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.

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PhD Topic: Structure-preserving numerical methods for battery electrolyte models

Title: Structure-preserving numerical methods for electrolyte models

Abstract: Structure-preserving numerical methods retain at the discrete level some properties of interest possessed by the continuum model (e.g. conservation of mass, positivity of concentrations, energy dissipation laws). In this talk I will discuss structure preservation in the context of the Poisson-Nernst-Planck system of coupled, non-linear partial differential equations. This evolution model describes the interaction between concentrations of different charged particles in the presence of a global electric field, which also evolves with the concentrations. In particular, I will consider the use of discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods, with a view towards stable, structure-preserving discretisations of the extended Navier-Stokes-Poisson-Nernst-Planck model.

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PhD Topic: Beyond Predictive Energy Management

Industry Partner: AVL

Title: Energy management optimisation for hydrogen fuel cell bus and variable auxiliary loads

Abstract: Hydrogen Fuel Cell hybrid propulsion systems are an attractive option for the public transport sector in its endeavour to move away from fossil fuels and reduce its carbon footprint. The nature of hybrid electric architectures presents an opportunity to review the energy management strategy to improve attributes such as energy/fuel consumption, lifetime and operational efficiency.
This work uses Dynamic Programming to seek the optimal control of the hydrogen fuel cell over a given bus route while not only considering the power demand of the powertrain, but also the variable auxiliary loading from cabin thermal conditioning while repurposing heat rejected from the fuel cell to heat the cabin.

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PhD Topic: Robust Real-Time Thermal Modelling of High-Speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

Industry Partner: AVL

Title: Helping Machines Learn

Abstract: Transfer learning can help reduce the amount of training data needed for machine learning models by utilising pre-existing knowledge. Although this has been explored in depth for image recognition, there is limited research into the use of it for time series modelling. This presentation will look at how we can use transfer learning when predicting the temperature of electric machines.

University of Bath

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Title: The Future of the Automobile Challenges & Opportunities

Abstract: A brief summary of the revolutionary transitions, since 1900, that have transformed the global automotive industry, from Craft to Mass to Lean Production, radically improving productivity, quality, safety, cost down and utility.
An overview of future automotive opportunities, particularly mobility and environmental challenges. Are we entering the next global transition?

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PhD Topic: A green bond for the finance of low-carbon bus operations

Industry Partner: The Big lemon

Title: Sustainability in Transit: Assessing the Economic Case for Electric Bus Adoption in the UK

Abstract: The decarbonisation of the transport sector is central to the UK’s net-zero strategy. This study
evaluates the economic viability of depot-charged single-decker electric bus fleets by
integrating vehicle, crew, and charging scheduling into a total cost of ownership analysis. Our
results indicate that techno-economic improvements – such as reduced battery cost, longer
battery warranties, and faster chargers – have made electric bus fleets cost comparable to their
conventional diesel counterparts at the same time as eliminating operational complexity. We
conclude that UK Local Transit Authorities (LTAs) should begin to include electrification in
their Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs), and the UK government should reduce, but not
eliminate, the procurement grants available to electric bus operators.

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PhD Topic: Large employers as catalysts for the promotion of low-carbon transport behaviour among employees

Title: Employers reducing commuting emissions - lessons from ESG data

Abstract: Organisations that employ large numbers of people (above 1,000 employees) generate and attract trips that, otherwise, would not be made. Reliable data from commuting emissions, usually considered Scope 3, is difficult to track, but some firms are including them in their ESG reports and some sectors attribute 20% of their emissions in this scope to commuting. If governments are failing to promote low-carbon transport options among citizens, can large employers motivate that change among their employees? This study uses self-reported ESG data from large employers worldwide to identify common characteristics of firms who had implemented Staff Transportation Impact Reduction Plans in the last five years and explores variables that predict the success of such plans in producing a reduction in commuting related emissions. Conclusions of this study will inform further studies to follow.

Loughborough University

Biography

Title: Driving towards the Future – What can we expect? 

Abstract: In this presentation, I will delve into the history of traffic safety and its evolution over time. And then, as we look to the future, the discussions will shift towards the impending reality of Autonomous Vehicles exploring their potential to revolutionize transport as we know it. But I will also pose some questions about the challenges that we may encounter as we navigate this new frontier. In a nutshell, this presentation will explore the journey towards a world where Autonomous Vehicles could become an integral part of daily lives whilst highlighting that things may not be a straightforward as we might like. 

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PhD Topic: Automation of Verification and Validation Processes through Model-based Systems Engineering

Industry Partner: AVL

Title: Enabling Lean, Evolutionary Vehicle System Development through MBSE Driven X in the Loop Testing

Abstract: In the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive system development, the convergence of increasing customer demands, competitive markets, connectivity, artificial intelligence, and electrification
necessitate a paradigm shift. Traditional hardware-centric methodologies are making way for a software centric approach, where the distinction between products increasingly resides in software configurations rather than hardware specifications. This shift underscores the need for development methodologies that facilitate early verification and validation of new system capabilities that are redefining the customer experience. This work addresses a notable industry challenge: the underutilization of 'X in the Loop' (XiL) testing methodologies, crucial for aligning development processes with the demands of virtualization product development in automotive engineering. Despite its potential, the industry has faced difficulties in leveraging XiL fully, primarily due to the conventional late-stage planning and design of verification procedures. We present a novel approach to propulsion system VVT demonstrated using an autonomous mobile robot. This method leverages MBSE artifacts generated from the early phases of the system development process, including operational, functional, and structural analyses. This facilitates the definition of verification procedures for varying functional maturity levels across system life cycle stages through the strategic use of co-simulation (XiL) capabilities, demonstrating a significant shift towards continuous system verification and validation. Further eliminating product development waste and reducing overall development costs, our research underscores the transformative potential of Virtual Development Methodologies and Digital Engineering and paves the way for future investigations into their synergistic integration.

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PhD Topic: Non-contact driver attentiveness detection system

Industry Partner: Infineon Technologies AG

Title: From Exterior to Interior: The Role of mm-wave Radar in Interior Sensing

Abstract: In recent decades, radar technology has emerged as a powerful tool in the automotive sector mainly for exterior sensing, functioning as a sensor for short to long range in the ADAS. However, its potential for interior sensing remains largely untapped until recent years. On the one hand, due to the advancements in electronics, off-the-shelf mm-wave radars could offer unprecedented definition, making it possible to capture useful information in highly complex interior environments. On the other hand, the regulatory pressure of mandating DMS/OMS further propelled relevant studies. This presentation explores the transformative role of mm-wave radar in interior sensing from the perspectives of regulation, technology, and applications, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in this field.

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PhD Topic: Swappable Hydrogen Storage for Low-Carbon Road Transport

Title: Swappable Hydrogen Refuelling and Inherent Safety

Abstract: Refuelling of emerging alternative fuel vehicles can present new challenges for designers and operators requiring significant capital investment, research and development to overcome. An unexplored option of refuelling hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles may provide a solution to many of the challenges facing conventional approaches. One aim of this new approach is to increase user and operator safety through a range of means, particularly by distancing the user from any potential hazards. The principles of Inherent Safety and developing good design practice via a systems thinking approach will be touched on.

University of Oxford

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Title: Ammonia, a zero-carbon fuel of the future?

Abstract: Ammonia has received attention as an alternative hydrogen carrier and a potential fuel for thermal propulsion systems with a lower carbon footprint. However, there are numerous challenges, particularly around safety and ammonia’s energy conversion performance. One strategy for high power density in ammonia applications will be direct injection of liquid ammonia. Understanding the evaporation and mixing processes associated with this is important for model development. This presentation will focus on the challenges and opportunities for ammonia as a future energy vector for propulsion systems.

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PhD Topic: Advanced Air Supply and Energy Recovery Systems for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Industry Partner: Cummins Turbo Technologies

Title: Air Supply and Energy Recovery for Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles

Abstract: Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are a prominent research area due to their potential to help decarbonise the transport sector. Air supply systems for FCEVs are a significant enhancer of fuel cell stack efficiency but can also consume around 25% of the stack power, as established in the literature. Various types of energy recovery and turbocharging are being developed to attempt to offset this, inspired by their application in ICEs. For fuel cell vehicles, however, turbochargers operate in very different conditions, so cannot simply be re-applied from ICEs. In this study, five types of air handling systems are assessed over a range of fuel cell operating conditions. E-compressors, fixed-geometry e-turbos, and e-VGTs (both coupled and decoupled) are modelled with a range of stack inlet pressures, stack pressure drops, and air mass flow rates. These three parameters have great influence on air management system efficiency and represent a significant degree of uncertainty for air handling requirements. Isolating the effects of these parameters by numerical modelling may reveal specific use cases and applications for each air system platform type. A critical comparison of coupled and decoupled turbocharger configurations can be made by assessing their performance across a wide range of typical fuel cell operating points. Stack inlet pressure in particular is predicted to be significant, given its theoretically strong impact on the demands of the compressor and the conditions the turbine is exposed to. The outcomes of this work will allow FCEVs to be designed with more tailored air systems instead of re-using those from ICEs, improving their efficiency. Doing so could improve their viability as a vehicle powertrain option, increasing their uptake and contributing to the reduction of the transport sector’s environmental impact.

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PhD Topic: Experimental and Theoretical Modelling of Heat Transfer in Aero-engine Compressors

Industry Partner: Rolls Royce

Title: Exploring Earth's Spin and Flow: How Rotation and Buoyancy Shape Our World

Abstract: The interplay between rotational and buoyancy-induced flows profoundly influences a myriad of weather phenomena on Earth. The Coriolis effect, stemming from the planet's rotation, plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction and strength of global wind patterns. This, in turn, dictates the movement of air masses, leading to the formation of high and low-pressure systems, fronts, and storms. Buoyancy-driven flows, driven by temperature and density variations, further modulate atmospheric dynamics, giving rise to convective processes such as thunderstorms and hurricanes. These buoyancy-induced flows are responsible for vertical motion within the atmosphere, facilitating the transport of heat, moisture, and energy, which are essential ingredients in the formation and intensification of weather systems. Additionally, interactions between rotational and buoyancy-driven flows contribute to the development of atmospheric instability, enhancing the likelihood of severe weather events such as tornadoes and heavy precipitation. Overall, the intricate interplay between rotational and buoyancy-induced flows shapes the rich tapestry of weather phenomena observed across the globe, profoundly impacting our daily lives and societal well-being.

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PhD Topic: Methanol Internal Combustion Engine Development for Marine Applications

Title: Investigation of methanol and methanol-gasoline fuelling for a spark-ignition internal combustion engine for small hybrid marine vessels

Abstract: Methanol is a promising fuel for decarbonizing the marine propulsion sector, thanks to its potential to be produced as a biofuel or from renewable hydrogen, as well as its favourable physical and combustion properties (e.g., energy density, ease of handling, fast burning velocity, high knock resistance). Despite its long history as a fuel for internal combustion engines (racing, automotive), methanol has not yet seen wide-scale adoption due to its challenging properties and economic/political barriers. However, it is now being reconsidered as a sustainable alternative in transportation.

Preliminary testing of methanol as a fuel shows approximately 8 to 20% improvements in efficiency across different torque requests along the propeller curve, while requiring lower intake pressure. Additionally, methanol fuel reduces NOx emissions by 30 to 60% and decreases CO2 emissions. A 50-50% methanol-gasoline blend achieves over two-thirds of the benefits of pure methanol in terms of efficiency and NOx emissions. These results highlight methanol's potential to enhance performance and reduce emissions in the small marine vessel sector.

My PhD research aims to exploit methanol's beneficial properties and address the remaining challenges to make it a viable solution, with a focus on automotive-sized engines and small vessels.

University of Portsmouth

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Title: Emerging Transportation Systems and Expected Travel Behaviour Change: Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract: A shift towards more sustainable transportation modes and reducing private car usage in cities are crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to 'Sustainable Cities and Communities', Net Zero, and Decarbonisation. However, changing individuals' travel behaviours, particularly in car-dependent regions, poses a significant challenge due to the habitual nature of travel choices and the need for personalised alternatives. Emerging transportation systems are poised to revolutionise the way people move, presenting both challenges and opportunities in reshaping travel behaviour in our societies. Emerging transportation systems hold the potential to revolutionize mobility, presenting both challenges and opportunities in reshaping travel behaviour. Concepts such as modes of shared mobility, Mobility as a Service (MaaS), Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAVs), and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) promise to reduce private car use while enhancing transportation efficiency, safety, and accessibility.. However, successful implementation and integration of these systems with conventional transportation require a thorough understanding of factors influencing mode choice and travel behaviour, especially among individuals with special needs. This presentation focuses on the transformative potential and associated complexities of these systems, addressing challenges such as infrastructure readiness, regulatory frameworks, and societal acceptance. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for innovation and collaboration through interdisciplinary research, policy interventions, and public engagement efforts. These initiatives are essential for navigating the transition towards sustainable, resilient, accessible, and inclusive transportation systems that benefit all social groups.

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PhD Topic: High-fidelity spatiotemporal modelling of electric vehicle charging demand at the distribution network scale

Title: Embracing Uncertainty in Modelling

Abstract: Most people have an intuitive understanding of uncertainty and how it can influence everyday decision-making, such as interpreting weather forecasts. Despite this, uncertainty quantification (UQ) is often treated as an afterthought in research. This talk emphasises the critical role of UQ in instilling trust and enhancing the utility of models for informed decision-making. UQ is especially relevant in energy system modelling due to its inherent complexity and the rapid pace of anticipated evolution. 

In the context of electric vehicle (EV) and charger adoption at the low voltage (LV) distribution substation level, existing research often neglects to address uncertainties in both the data and its mapping from administrative areas to the distribution network. To address this gap, I will introduce a novel Bayesian modelling framework as an example of UQ in practice. This framework integrates a variety of open datasets to generate probabilistic estimates for current and historical EV and charger adoption at the distribution substation level. By incorporating UQ, this model provides more accurate and trustworthy predictions for distribution network operators and policymakers. 

The presentation will be divided into two parts: the first half will introduce the principles and importance of UQ, while the second half will showcase my recent work, demonstrating UQ in practice. Through this talk, you will gain a deeper appreciation of how UQ can improve model trust and reliability, as well as significantly enhance the ability of research to aid informed decision-making.

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Title: The Pace-o-meter: How better metrics can improve our transport systems

Abstract: When people design transport systems they use metrics to represent their design, objectives and communicate performance. These are metrics like speed, time, reliability, risk, cost and so on. This talk uses the example of the pace-o-meter - a novel form of vehicle speedometer - to show how such metrics shape people’s transport behaviour and the wider transport system.

Further examples seek to disrupt the commonplace understanding of reality as entirely distinct from perception, while demonstrating that even transport professionals (like engineers, planners and policymakers) are liable to have their judgement shaped by how information is framed and explained.

A central conclusion follows Goodhart’s Law ‘when a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure’ to show how well-intentioned metrics and targets change behaviour in perverse ways, because we try to satisfy the metric rather than improve the thing it is measuring. Consequently, a diversity of measures are needed to achieve balanced outcomes.
The talk has relevance for transport safety, decarbonisation, user centricity and design.

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PhD Topic: Autonomous Anomaly Detection and Self-healing in a smart test environment

Title: Data quality in automotive testing: Incorporating behaviour into technical research

Abstract: Despite continuous technological advancement and process automation, there will always be a human-technology interface where behaviour plays a role. Whether this be in the calibration of manufacturing factory equipment, driver profiles influencing battery pack duty cycles, or consumers utilising autonomous vehicles in the future; the role of people will continue to be a factor to the success of technologies placed in society. In this talk, I will outline how I have come to this realisation by sharing my recent interview study into data quality, and how these results have informed and shaped my PhD, which was originally focussed solely on autonomous anomaly detection within automotive testing environments.

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PhD Topic: Shared economy business models: their value to the future of automobile manufacturers

Title: The sharing economy in the automotive industry

Abstract: While the 20th century represented the era of individual car ownership, the 21st century seems to disrupt this inherited system. The new mobility trend prioritises access over ownership, meaning that users get access to a mobility service instead of having a private vehicle. These practices are called car-sharing and carpooling. The main motivations for car-sharing include cost savings for users, reducing carbon emissions, recirculation of goods, increased utilisation of durable assets, and exchange of services. This incoming mobility system is based on an economic system known as the ‘shared economy’. The shared economy has social interactions at its core, integrating activities such as renting, trading, swapping, and borrowing. According to Allied Market Research® (2023), the shared economy market size could grow from US$387.1 billion in 2022 to around US$827.1 billion by 2032. This economic model projects such growth as it offers more affordable solutions for consumers than traditional models do, also technological solutions such as digital platforms enhance accessibility to this model which often is aligned with consumers’ sustainability principles.

AVL

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Title: Energy Pathways and its impact on transport

Abstract: Looking at the energy transformation that is required to meet the needs of climate change, it is clear that a simple solution can’t be found to meet every need. The solutions that will be best will depend upon the sector and application. It also depends upon the wider trading in the whole energy infrastructure. In an exploration of facts and figures we can see the factors that will shape the transport needs of the future and how a simple one size fits all approach is an oversimplification. The benefits of fuel cells and batteries will be explored and a brief insight into why internal combustion may yet have a role to play. 

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PhD Topic: Investigating the affect DC ripple current has on lithium-ion cells

Industry Partner: AVL

Title: Transient Behaviour of Lithium-ion Batteries

Abstract: Batteries in general were originally of invented and of interest to researchers with a chemistry background, due to their understanding of the inherent processes happening. However, with the current electrification of modern society, and the widespread uses of lithium-ion batteries in particular, they are know widely being used and applied in the real world by mechanical and electrical engineers who often treat batteries as a black box. This has led to a large disconnect in the battery design and research sphere, to were they're actually applied. My results show how improvements have been made that were completely ignored until trying to understand how cells react to transient signals that exist in modern electric vehicles.

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PhD Topic: Knock in Direct Injection Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines

Industry Partner: JLR

Title: Chemical Kinetic Mechanism Development Using Particle Swarm Optimisation

Abstract: In order to reach Net Zero by 2050, the internal combustion engine needs to be decarbonised. One of the possible pathways to achieve this is by using hydrogen as a fuel. In order to extend the operating limits of existing and future hydrogen engines, there is a need for accurate predictive combustion and autoignition models in the 0/1D domain. However, these models are reliant on chemical kinetic mechanisms to generate laminar flame speed and ignition delay time data, which have shown mixed predictive accuracy. Therefore, this talk will cover the process of developing a new chemical kinetic mechanism for hydrogen oxidation focusing on accurately predicting the ignition delay time at internal combustion engine-relevant thermochemical conditions.

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PhD Topic: Chemical vapor deposition for advanced lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors

Title: Lithium Sulfide Thin-film Fabrication Through Aerosol-assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition 

Abstract: With increasing need for better energy storage options, due to ever-growing energy demands, the current state-of-the-art is just not enough. A promising avenue for the technology explores the use of lithium sulfide (Li2S), as part of the battery. It has the potential to store up to roughly three times the energy than what is currently used. It also has the potential to provide an avenue for safer batteries. However, there is a slight stumbling block. Before using the battery, it would need to be charged with a greater energy than usual, because of the material’s properties. One way to potentially navigate around this is through the use of a technique called aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition (AA-CVD). This method allows for control over how the material is built up which could help with the over-charging issue.

This talk will convey how this method (AA-CVD) is being used to make thin-films of lithium sulfide, with the ambition of finding the best conditions to make the films so that they can be better used in batteries.

AAPS Cohort 5

Title: Reimagining a green transport system in the West of England

Abstract: AAPS CDT is a transdisciplinary research centre bringing together industry, academics, and students to pioneer and shape the transition to clean, sustainable, affordable movement for all. Our first-year students have spent the last year reimagining the transport system within the West of England Combined Authority (WECA).

Utilising their diverse backgrounds ranging from mechanical engineering to economics, multiple approaches have been taken to address the current issues surrounding transport in the WECA region. The project aims to influence policymakers and local councils to rethink the way they approach and design sustainable transport systems for the future.