Energetics and Power Engineering

Joint PhD studies with the Lithuanian Energy Institute.

The KTU Energetics and Power Engineering PhD programme is designed for young researchers who want to combine theory and practice to develop innovative and efficient technologies. Priority topics in this field of study include sustainable energy, thermal engineering of transfer processes and smart technologies for power systems. Doctoral students study and work with state-of-the-art research equipment and participate in interdisciplinary projects.

Relevance
The research carried out in KTU’s Energetics and Power Engineering PhD programme focuses on solving global challenges to ensure sustainable energy use and reduce environmental impact. In the area of sustainable energy, efficient energy generation solutions are developed that combine renewable and fossil energy sources. Research into the thermal engineering of transfer processes contributes to the development of advanced industrial technologies for greater efficiency. Modelling of intelligent energy systems enables the development of sustainable and secure energy supply systems. These studies contribute to the modernisation of the energy sector to meet the needs of society and industry.

about field of science

Topic title	Possible scientific supervisors	Source of funding
Investigation of the condensation process in the transient flow region in a biofuel plant condensing economizer model	doc. dr. Robertas Poškas	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Lithuania has a well established network of biofuel boiler plants with innovative equipment to improve the efficiency of such boiler plants. One of these is the condensing economizer, which is used to improve boiler efficiency and recover waste heat. This heat exchanger reduces the amount of heat emitted to the environment through the stack with the flue gases, but increases the installation cost of the biofuel boiler plant. The cost of a condensing economizer is determined by its dimensions. To define the optimum size of the unit while maintaining the high efficiency of the heat exchanger, it is necessary to have a good understanding of the regularities of the complex heat and mass transfer processes that take place in the heat exchanger. Therefore, experimental studies of the condensation process in a shell and tube condensing economizer model with transient flow regimes are planned. Such studies would be carried out in collaboration with the Lithuanian Energy Institute.
Analysis of determination methods of factors caused disturbances and faults in high voltage power grid	prof. dr. Audrius Jonaitis	state-funded
Numerical simulation of heat transfer in the case of natural circulation of coolant in nuclear installations	prof. dr. Algirdas Kaliatka	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. Nuclear energy can significantly contribute to the solution of the current energy problems in the EU and Lithuania, as it would positively contribute to security of supply, stability of energy prices and the achievement of carbon dioxide reduction goals. Therefore, research related to the safety of existing and new nuclear power plants remains relevant. Recently, special attention has been paid to passive cooling systems, which are installed in currently operating power reactors, and are also widely used in the construction of small modular reactors. In these passive cooling systems, the heat is removed by the natural circulation of the coolant. Natural coolant circulation also works in spent nuclear fuel storage facilities (for example, fuel storage pools and dry storage hermetic containers). However, this phenomenon has not been studied in as much detail as the forced circulation of the coolant. Natural circulation is characterized by small pressure (driving force) gradients and low coolant velocities. Also, the computer programs that are usually used to model the consequences of accidents in nuclear facilities are developed and tested to model the forced circulation of the coolant at relatively high pressures. Therefore, the aim of this work is the study of the natural coolant circulation in nuclear facilities and the assessment of the suitability of modeling with specialized computer programs. The result of the PhD dissertation should be a study of the processes taking place in heat removal systems based on the natural circulation of the coolant and prepared recommendations for the modeling of these processes. In this topic, several dissertation theses are possible, which will be agreed with PhD students, depending on the selected circulation systems, specific circulation modes, etc. It is also possible to analyze natural circulation in non-nuclear facilities.
The models for technical and market analysis of customer connected hybrid energy systems	prof. dr. Saulius Gudžius	state-funded	Research Topic Summary. The transformation of the energy system, driven by the challenges of climate change and the desire to increase the efficiency of energy consumption and production, is facing problems that prevent it from achieving the needed security of energy supply and the strategic objectives of the energy system transformation. The most sustainable ways to address these problems are through the creation of new technical solutions based on a holistic approach to the energy system and the development of hybrid energy supply systems and their integrated management structures. Such technical structures can be applied to improve energy security and energy efficiency of both power systems and consumers [1,2]. The research focuses on the development and refinement of technical and market models and methodologies for the use of consumer hybrid energy systems in the provision of energy flexibility services either individually or as part of an energy community. The study consists of the following parts: 1. Development and refinement of technical and market analysis models for hybrid consumer-owned distributed generation, storage systems and loads potentially deployed in energy flexibility services. 2. Development of a methodology for characterising the operational parameters of the hybrid system and the characteristics of generation and energy consumption measurement systems that measure, transmit and store data at synchronised time intervals and volumes suitable for the provision of energy flexibility services.

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Application procedure

Mandatory documents for admission:

Application indicating the science field, the topic and the form of funding (online)*
Official legalised Master’s diploma with the diploma supplements or a higher education degree equivalents and academic transcripts (translated into English or Lithuanian and notary verified) and the certificate of recognition if higher education qualification acquired abroad
Curriculum Vitae
Recommendations by two researchers of the relevant science field
A list of the research works with a full bibliographic description and copies thereof; if no research works by the applicant are presented, the applicant is required to present a research paper whose topic is consistent with the dissertation topic indicated in the applicant’s application (if the applicant applies to two dissertation topics, two individual research papers have to be submitted)
A copy of a valid personal document: a passport (for citizens of all countries) or an ID card (only for citizens of the European Union)
A copy of the receipt of the application fee payment (50 EUR for EU citizens, and 120 EUR for non-EU citizens)
A certificate issued by IELTS, TOEFL, CERF or any other competent institution within the last 2 years certifying the level of the English language if the candidate is not a graduate of the first or second cycle studies conducted in the English language

* The applicant can select no more than 2 (two) research fields and no more than 2 (two) topics per science field.

Participation in motivational interview (Kaunas University of Technology, Studentų g. 50, Kaunas, Lithuania or online)

Signing a study agreement (if invited to study)

Cycle	Third cycle
Language	Lithuanian, English
Duration	4 y.
Degree awarded	Doctor of Science

Weighted grade point average of the Master’s diploma supplement	0,3
Research experience Research experience in ten-point grading system (the evaluation of the research experience includes the candidate’s scientific publications or the research paper, other research experience, scientific qualifications, the compliance of the scientific publications and research experience with the topic of doctoral studies)	0,4
Recommendations by scientists	0,05
Motivational interview, including evaluation of the knowledge of a foreign language	0,25

Energetics and Power Engineering

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Research topics

Research Topic Summary.

Research Topic Summary.

Research Topic Summary.

Entry requirements

Minimum requirements

Application procedure

Selection criteria and their weighted coefficients

Study programme modules

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