Australia’s First High-Efficiency, Modular and Low-Cost Hydrogen Liquefaction and Storage System

Summary

Two PhD scholarships are available for candidates to design, model, fabricate, and experimentally test an advanced modular cryogenic cooler prototype aimed at achieving high-efficiency hydrogen liquefaction, storage, and transportation.

Research Areas:

Mechanical, chemical and process engineering; Clean energy & fuel; Cryogenic hydrogen & decarbonization

Supervisor

Dr Arman Siahvashi.

Research location

Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Synopsis

Are you excited to advance innovative research in clean energy and fuel technologies and make a real difference? If so, we want to hear from you!

Global energy consumption is projected to rise nearly 50% by 2050. Hydrogen, as a clean and versatile energy carrier, can meet this demand and also enable deep decarbonization across energy and industrial sectors. By 2050, hydrogen demand is expected to grow six-fold. Australia's proximity to Asian markets presents a significant opportunity to lead in the emerging hydrogen export industry. Liquid hydrogen (LH₂), with its high energy density, is expected to play a crucial role in supply chains by reducing hydrogen's volume nearly 900 times through liquefaction, facilitating efficient storage and transportation. The liquid natural gas (LNG) industry serves as a benchmark for liquid hydrogen (LH₂) production due to similar cryogenic (low temperature) processes. As a leading LNG producer, Australia has a competitive advantage to develop an analogous LH₂ sector by leveraging existing knowledge, infrastructure, and supply chains. However, current hydrogen liquefiers lack the efficiency and cost-effectiveness needed to achieve rapid growth and development.

This project aims to advance the science necessary to overcome barriers in hydrogen liquefaction, enabling Australia to reliably produce and export clean energy. It addresses the gaps in fundamental knowledge in designing a cryogenic refrigeration cycle that combines the high efficiency of large-scale processes with the low cost, reliability, and safety of small modular systems. Leveraging expertise in cryogenics and liquefaction thermodynamics, the project will develop and demonstrate Australia's first modular hydrogen liquefier. 

The major objectives of this project are:

1. Develop and model a new, more thermodynamically efficient hydrogen cooling cycle based on the Collins cycle, including demonstration of a high-efficiency cooling cycle using helium (or hydrogen) as a working fluid, shifting from traditional scale-up to modularization approaches;
2. Build a modular liquefier prototype featuring a novel floating piston expander and a heat-exchanger for high-pressure ratios and continuous flow, combining efficiency and compactness to enable low-cost, safer hydrogen liquefaction and zero-boil-off storage; and
3. Develop analytical models and user-friendly software to predict system performance, aiding scientists and engineers in understanding, designing, and assessing risks associated with modular hydrogen liquefaction units.

This project is conducted at the University of Sydney's School of Aerospace, Mechanical, and Mechatronic Engineering and involves hands-on experimental training and modelling to prototype an integrated system. Research activities include, but are not limited to, system design and modelling (numerical and CFD modelling), process and equipment design, sizing, material selection, safety and risk assessment, and the development of smart control systems and automation.

Additional information

Offering:

• Two scholarships are available to domestic and international students, with priority given to domestic applicants. The scholarships are tax-free, cover tuition fees, and are for 3.5 years (full-time) at the RTP stipend rate of $40,109 per annum.
• Top-up scholarships are available for strong and competitive candidates who demonstrate progress towards their PhD, serving as an additional award that complements the support received from the primary scholarship.
• National and international travel opportunities for conferences, site visits, exchange programs (e.g., Fulbright Scholarship or similar), and collaborations with scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and NASA.
• Industry placement, networking, and career development opportunities are available after the first year's confirmation of candidature for those who show good progress towards their PhD project.
• Involvement in paid casual teaching and tutorials.
• Opportunities to engage in other research projects (if interested and making reasonable progress in the main project) to gain experience in other areas.

Ideal candidates would have the following skills and experiences:

PhD Student 1 (Modelling-focused with involvement in experimental work)

• Tertiary qualifications in mechanical, chemical, process engineering, or a related field.
• Skills and previous experience in numerical modelling and analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (COMSOL/ANSYS), and design optimization of fluids, energy, and heat/mass transfer systems.
• Proficiency in software development, including experience with Python, C/C++, or similar programming languages.
• Knowledge of thermodynamic and dynamic models and processes, including refrigeration cycles, is preferable.

PhD Student 2 (Experimental-focused with involvement in modelling work)

• Tertiary qualifications in mechanical, chemical, process, control systems engineering, or a related field.
• Skills in hands-on activities, mechanical design and development.
• Proficiency in using CAD/SolidWorks, MATLAB, LabView (control systems), and familiarity with manufacturing techniques.
• Experience in hands-on activities and experimental research, including procurement, material and equipment design and selection, testing, and commissioning.

While education and training will be provided for these projects, candidates possessing the above-mentioned skills and experiences are preferred and will be given priority.

In addition, we are looking for the following from all candidates:

• Conduct research and scholarly activities as part of a multidisciplinary research team
• Liaise effectively with both scientific and technical colleagues
• Assist researchers from other disciplines and collaborate with PhD students
• Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others.
• Perform scientific research and produce academic writing for paper publications and thesis work
• Commence full-time as soon as possible.

How to apply:

Please email arman.siahvashi@sydney.edu.au with the subject line “PhD Application: [your Name]” and include the following:

• CV
• Transcripts (can be unofficial)
• Your preference for PhD 1 or 2

Want to find out more?

Opportunity ID

The opportunity ID for this research opportunity is 3572