PhD Studentship-Electricity Demand Reduction and Responsive Strategies for Mining Operations

University of Exeter
CSM Trust funded PhD Studentship
Electricity Demand Reduction and Responsive Strategies for Mining Operations

Applications are invited for a three year PhD studentship based within the Camborne School of Mines (CSM), at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus near Falmouth, researching the theme of ‘Electricity Demand Reduction and Responsive Strategies for Mining Operations’. This project will contribute to CSM’s continuing expansion of research interests in mining and energy. The studentship is being funded by the CSM Trust and will be supervised by Dr Gareth Kennedy and Dr Patrick Foster.
Main objectives of the project:

The electricity demand of mining operations has become an increasingly important factor during the last few decades, particularly with rising energy costs and the limited availability of energy resource. As mining operations continue to grow larger in size, and with the price of electricity set to increase significantly in the near future, a comprehensive strategy to account for these changes will be necessary. The project will concentrate predominantly on developing novel demand reduction and management strategies capable of reducing the electricity demand specifically when the mine is operating under peak conditions. The scheme will forecast the electrical efficiency of a mine several hours and days in advanced, providing the mining operator a real time and pro-active tool for advisory decision support.
The aims and objectives of the project are to: -

study the load demand profile in the mining sector to characterise the overall effects of load-shifting and reduction technique;
develop demand reduction and management strategies that can be deployed in an underground mine without affecting the safe operation of the mines;
develop a prototype smart technology and instrumentation system that will enable such strategies to be implemented;
evaluate carbon footprint reduction as the result of implementing a demand reduction/management system in the mining sector.
Main duties and responsibilities:
The successful applicant will make original contributions to this research through the development of novel control and responsive strategies for reducing electricity costs in mining operations. He/she will be expected to study mine power systems (if there is no prior knowledge) and operations in order to develop this intelligent responsive scheme. The student will be required to participate in the PhD training and development programme offered by the University.
The successful student will also have the opportunity to work closely with the mining industry. This will include on-site visits to underground mines (potentially both in and outside of the UK), obtaining data, and collaborating with major mining companies. In addition to the project work, the student will be expected to attend and present at international conference(s) and publish their work.
Relevant Experience/Qualifications/

Skills:
Essential

Experience in numerical and computational methods.
A minimum of an Upper Second Class (2.1) degree in electrical and electronic engineering, mining engineering or related disciplines
Competent use of email and word processing;
Possess good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce high quality written technical reports.
Desirable

Evidence of experience in modelling and forecasting electricity demand would be an advantage.
Experience in smart technology and instrumentation system design.
An MSc in electrical, electronic, or mining engineering or a related discipline would be an advantage.
Strong analytical and problem solving skills, including a good knowledge in electrical and electronic engineering. Good understanding about mining operations will be an advantage.
Familiar with LABView, MATLAB or power system simulation packages such as IPSA, PowerFactory/DigSILENT, PSS/E and PSCAD/EMTDC.
The studentship is for three years and available from 1 October 2009. It includes a maintenance grant of £13290 per annum with all fees paid for Home/EU students.
Applicants should send a covering letter and a detailed CV, together with names and addresses of two referees to Laura Taylor, sogaer-schooloffice@exeter.ac.uk. Closing date: 30th June 2009
Informal Enquiries: Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Dr Gareth Kennedy (Tel: 01326 371876, email: g.a.kennedy@exeter.ac.uk) or Dr Patrick Foster (Tel: 01326 371828, email: p.j.foster@exeter.ac.uk).