Overview
This project is part of a 4 year Dual PhD degree programme between the National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan and the University of Liverpool in England. As Part of the NTHU-UoL Dual PhD Award students are in the unique position of being able to gain 2 PhD awards at the end of their degree from two internationally recognised world leading Universities. As well as benefiting from a rich cultural experience, Students can draw on large scale national facilities of both countries and create a worldwide network of contacts across 2 continents.
About this opportunity
Nuclear energy is recognised as a green and environmentally sustainable source of power, where heat generated during the nuclear reaction is harnessed to drive the turbine and produce electricity. However, during emergency shutdowns or in the event of accidents, it is become critically important to safely remove decay heat from the reactor core to prevent reactor from overheating and ensure the sustainable and resilient operation of next-generation compact reactors.
Among various cooling strategies, the natural circulation loop (NCL) offers a promising passive approach for heat removal, as it functions without external power or mechanical components, enhancing reliability and safety. However, natural circulation is often difficult to control due to flow instabilities and its performance is strongly depend on efficiency of the heat exchanger. Therefore, enhancing flow controllability and heat transfer efficiency remains a major research challenge.
This project proposes the development and evaluation of a Tesla-valve-inspired heat exchanger, coupled with two-phase flow, to enhance the performance of natural circulation loop for safety system of nuclear reactor. The Tesla valve—a passive check valve without moving parts—suppresses reverse flow and improves flow directionality, while vapor bubble dynamics can further accelerate circulation. By integrating these concepts, the project aims to advance passive safety technologies for nuclear reactors, supporting SDG 9 by fostering innovation, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable industrial development in the clean energy sector.
This PhD is delivered through the dual NTHU–University of Liverpool programme. The first two years will be spent at The University of Liverpool (Dr Sambhaji Kadam) and the following two years at NTHU (Dr Hsingtzu Wu). This research not only strengthens the understanding of thermal-hydraulic behaviour in passive systems but also promotes technological innovation and resilient infrastructure in the nuclear energy sector, supporting the transition toward clean, safe, and sustainable industrial development.