Development of Novel Thermochemical Heat Storage for Waste Heat Recovery Kingston University in United Kingdom

The PhD position titled "Development of Novel Thermochemical Heat Storage for Waste Heat Recovery" at Kingston University addresses the urgent need for sustainable and efficient energy management in heavy industries. Industrial processes often result in significant waste heat, representing a major opportunity for energy recovery and environmental conservation. This research is embedded within the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment and aims to pioneer advanced solutions for harnessing waste energy.

The core of this project is the comprehensive study and enhancement of Salt-In-Matrix (SIM) thermochemical heat storage materials. SIM materials, based on salt hydrates, offer high energy density and minimal energy loss during extended storage periods. Despite their promise, pure salt hydrates face thermodynamic and kinetic challenges during hydration and dehydration. The research will focus on overcoming these limitations through:

• Material Design and Synthesis: Formulating optimal SIM compositions to maximize thermochemical properties, with a deep investigation into salt-matrix interactions.
• Material Performance Assessment: Evaluating charge/discharge cycles, energy density, heat release rates, and lifecycle performance, including degradation over multiple cycles.
• Kinetics and Mechanism: Developing kinetic models to predict heat storage performance, with a focus on the intertwined processes of heat and mass transfer in thermochemical sorption.
• Reactor Design and Optimization: Modifying reactor structures to improve gas diffusion and heat exchange, enhance reaction rates, and address corrosion issues.
• System Integration and Performance: Studying the integration of SIM materials into closed and open systems, analyzing vacuum requirements, airflow mechanisms, and overall system dynamics.
• Application in Coupled Systems: Assessing the feasibility and efficiency of SIM materials in coupled systems, considering seasonal stability, schedulability, initial costs, and adaptability.

The ideal candidate will have a robust background in renewable energy and material science, with a strong interest in thermochemistry. Proficiency in simulation software such as COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS Fluent, or MATLAB is essential for modeling thermochemical processes. Analytical skills, innovative thinking, and a commitment to solving waste heat challenges are required, along with collaborative teamwork and prior experience in heat storage and simulation.

This project is part of the Graduate School studentships competition for October 2026 entry, offering potential funding that may cover tuition and stipend. For further details on funding and application procedures, candidates should consult the Kingston University PhD Studentships page and the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment research webpage. The application deadline is March 4, 2026.

Through this research, the successful candidate will contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy management, material science, and thermochemical engineering, helping to shape the future of industrial energy conservation.