Research & PhD programmes

A partnership between Katrick Technologies Ltd & the University of Strathclyde.

EngD in the new EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures at the University of Strathclyde collaborating with Katrick Technologies.

Developing Future Leaders in Wind and Marine Renewable Energy:

A new Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) at the University of Strathclyde will train researchers to EngD and PhD level in wind and marine energy. Funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), a total of 70 PhD students will be recruited for four years of training and research.

In collaboration with the CDT, Katrick Technologies are co-funding two EngD studentships. Katrick Technologies is a leading independent renewable energy consultancy and services provider. The research student hired on the CDT/ Katrick Technologies collaborative research project will enjoy a comprehensive training programme and an accredited IET/IMechE scheme, potentially leading to CEng status.

Our CDT offers a unique programme, combining training and research that will aid graduates in transitioning into careers in the wind and marine energy sectors. Training covers all aspects of wind and marine renewable energy systems, including the wider socio-economic context. As part of the CDT, the student will join a cohort of 15 students who will undertake the same training programme as well as a wider family of over 150 existing students and alumni. You will be supported by the staff and students of the CDT, as well as a dedicated academic supervision team. Parallel to the training outlined above the student will be carrying out research in the area vibration energy harvesting as outlined below.

PhD Research project overview:

Energy harvesting is a technology which converts excess of kinetic energy into viable electric energy and supplies power to low power electronic devices efficiently as a productive alternative to wired battery‐based systems. Several energy sources such as solar, wind, waves, thermal energy, mechanical vibration can be utilised for producing electricity. Among them, mechanical vibration‐based energy harvester has been manifested to provide more significant potential, better lifespan, and comparatively high-power density. Several methods are available for the transformation of mechanical vibrations into electrical energy: electromagnetic, electrostatic, and piezoelectric effect.

It is intended that the research findings will contribute to the development of a framework of design that is served as a basis for further research and development regarding the vibration energy harvesting. This research has the potential to contribute significantly to relevant disciplines such as monitoring and sensing for marine renewable energy, and marine electrical production.

The EngD project aims at proving the concept of energy harvesting through the development of a prototype system capable of harvesting energy from induced vibration.

Our PhD Candidates

  • Cristiano Martinelli

    PhD Candidate

    BEng and MEng in Mechanical Engineering at the Politecnico di Torino, Italy.

    Cristiano completed his studies at the University of Liverpool where he worked with the Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering Department on flutter control for aircraft applications.

    After two years in the mechanical/aerospace industry Cristiano started his PhD at the University of Strathclyde in collaboration with the CDT (Centre of Doctoral Training), Katrick Technologies and under the supervision of Dr. Andrea Coraddu (University of Strathclyde) and Dr. Andrea Cammarano (University of Glasgow). Focusing on vibration energy harvesting studying linear and non-linear structural dynamics, energy conversions mechanisms and mathematical optimisation.

  • Jane Nyokabi Njeri

    PhD Candidate

    BEng Hons in Mechanical Engineering with an MSc Dist in Project Management.

    Jane previously worked in the Oil and Gas sector with completion of several offshore project roles including a subsea project in the Mediterranean region.

    She will be undertaking Eng.D in Renewable Energy and Marine Structures in partnership with Katrick Technologies as part of the global energy transition, and to fulfil a desire to seek meaningful knowledge through research in this field.

    Jane is a passionate STEM ambassador, with a vision to raise the profile of STEM and WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) to promote and advocate diversity in all its forms in Engineering roles.