Business Management: Fully Funded KESS II PhD Scholarship at Swansea University: Development and evaluation of a low-cost air pollution sensor technology for a wireless sensor network and monitoring

*This scholarships is part funded by the Welsh Government’s European Social Fund (ESF) convergence programme for West Wales and the Valleys.*

PhD  Scholarship for UK or EU applicants in the field of: Business Management (Air pollution sensor development)

Subject study: Development and evaluation of a low-cost air pollution sensor technology for a wireless sensor network and real-time, local, urban air quality monitoring

Brief summary of project

The aim of this PhD studentship, based in the Centre for Health & Environment Management, Research & Innovation (CHEMRI) is to develop and test low-cost sensor technology and air quality (AQ) monitors for deployment in an urban, street-level multi-monitor wireless sensor network solution (WSN), produced by Vortex IoT, for continuous monitoring of traffic-induced air pollutants to provide real-time, local information for public and patient use. As part of sensor development, the student will design and test a novel long-life graphene based NO2 sensor (Welsh Centre of Printing and Coating) to resolve a cost-issue for real-time sensing of this pollutant. The project will include novel research to assist product development for the company and the possibility of new intellectual property in sensor technology. The partnership will include Vortex IoT, Swansea University (CHEMRI and the Welsh Centre of Printing and Coating WCPC), the City and County of Swansea (CCS) and Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board.

Project objectives

The major objectives for the studentship are to:

Develop and construct a low-cost internal/external AQ sensor unit using commercially available low-cost sensors. Evaluate reproducibility of data generation by sensors in differing environmental conditions (CHEMRI).Develop and evaluate a novel low-cost graphene NO2 sensor developed with WCPC.Carry out a prospective study to compare AQ pollutant data from the low-cost monitor with roadside monitors in Swansea (Vortex IoT/Swansea University and City and County of Swansea).Implement wireless network capabilities to the low-cost monitors and assist product development of AQ wireless sensor network (Vortex IoT)Carry out a prospective study to fully evaluate the Vortex IoT AQ wireless sensor network in an urban test zone with Vortex IoT, City and County of Swansea. The research will link to a clinical study involving patients with cardiovascular/respiratory disease to provide air pollution exposure data to assist in minimizing exposure.

Outputs

A novel low-cost multi-sensor indoor and outdoor AQ monitor.Implementation of novel AQ monitoring technology into Vortex IoT wireless sensor network solution.A novel low-cost graphene sensor for indoor and outdoor NO2 monitoring.Publishable studies on sensor data evaluation, wireless network implementation and NO2 sensor development.New intellectual property for sensor technology.Acquired skills for the PhD student in sensor and wireless network development.

Scholarships are collaborative awards with external partners including SME’s and micro companies, as well as public and third sector organisations. The scholarship provides 3 years of funding with a 6 month period to complete the thesis. The achievement of a postgraduate skills development award, PSDA, is compulsory for each KESS II scholar and is based on a 60 credit award.

Candidates should have a 2.1 or above in their undergraduate degree in engineering, environmental science, or a related subject. They should also be eligible for UK/EU Fees.

We would normally expect the academic and English Language requirements to be met by point of application. For details on the University’s English Language entry requirements, please visit – http://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/englishlanguagerequirements/

The scholarship covers the full cost of UK/EU tuition fees, plus a stipend. The bursary will be limited to a maximum of £14,483 p.a. dependent upon the applicant's financial circumstances.

There will also be additional funds available for research expenses.

Please visit our website for more information.