Developing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Electric-powertrain for tractors to suit Australian Farm conditions

CSIRO Industry PhD Program

The Opportunity

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The Program includes:

  1. Admission to a Federation University PhD program.
  2. Supervision by Federation University, CSIRO, and Foton Mobility Distribution Pty Ltd.
  3. A four-year scholarship package totalling $46,000 per annum (2024 rate).
  4. A four-year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum.
  5. A three-month industry engagement component with the industry partner.
  6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the participating university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

The Project

Supervisory team details

Federation University

Name of university supervisor

Surbhi Sharma

Email address

surbhi.sharma@federation.edu.au

Faculty

Centre for New Energy Transition Research

CSIRO

Name of CSIRO supervisor

Dattatray Dhawale

Email address

dattatray.dhawale@csiro.au

CSIRO Business Unit

Energy

Industry

Name of business / organisation

Foton Mobility Distribution Pty Ltd

Website

www.FotonMobility.com.au

Project details

Project title

Developing Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) Electric-powertrain for tractors to suit Australian Farm conditions

Project description

Fifty percent (50%) of the Australian land is under agriculture; consequently, the agricultural sector is the second largest contributor to Australia's GHG emissions. Thus, electrification of farm equipment is a necessity. Unlike the limitations of batteries (weight, load on grid) PEM fuel cells offer a higher energy density, higher energy conversion efficiency (60% Vs 40% in ICE), quick refuelling times, higher power generation, and are light weight. Retrofitting of existing tractors would be an economical way as a first step towards electrification, given the high-cost and low returns associated with farming. The Project aims to develop and validate simulations and perform small-scale system-integration studies with the motivation of retrofitting a diesel powertrain with a PEMFC-electric powertrain for 120-160 HP farm tractors. To achieve this, a combination of simulation, modelling, and short-stack (2kW) testing will be used to develop vital understanding of the system integration requirements under Australian conditions while minimising running costs and maximising power and efficiency which are major challenges for the transition of the farming technologies.

This Project will aid efficient system designs and support the development/manufacture of components and/or complete systems locally. It will support the decarbonisation of Australia’s agricultural industry and assist in achieving net-zero targets and UN-SDGs.

Primary location of student

CSIRO Clayton, VIC

Other potential locations

Federation University, VIC

Industry engagement component location

Foton Mobility Distribution, NSW

Ideal student skillset

Essential:

  • A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Physics, or a similar discipline.
  • Knowledge of electrochemical energy technologies such as hydrogen fuel cell, electrolyser, or batteries.
  • Ability to work in an interdisciplinary laboratory environment using experimental research tools.
  • Effective written and verbal communication, good time management and the ability to work in a team.

Desirable:

  • Knowledge and experience of software such as MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting research projects and publishing research papers in respected journals.
  • Prior experience of working with fuel cells.

Application Close Date

Open until position filled

Eligibility Requirements

The student must:

  1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.
  2. Be eligible to undertake a PhD. Verify you can meet eligibility requirements outlined on the Graduate Research School website. If you are applying for ‘Honours equivalence,’ please ensure that you provide detailed information to support your case.
  3. Meet university English language requirements.
  4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
  5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
  6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student.
  7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.

Application Process

  1. Applicants are required to submit a full application via the HDR candidate application form with all necessary documents, along with a 250-word summary that describes why you would be suitable for this project.
  2. The application is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
  3. The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant.
  4. The application is then assessed by the Graduate Research School against PhD admission criteria.
  5. The university will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied.

Further information

General Program Information:

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Project Specific Information:

  • Contact the nominated supervisors for the project listed above.