Last Autumn it was great to welcome my first PhD student at the University of Sussex! A few month’s late, but let me introduce you to Charlie Westpfel who will be working with me to develop a new test rig to explore the wet-to-dry expansion of organic fluids. Fun times ahead! But for now, here’s an introduction from Charlie himself.

I completed my Master’s in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex in 2023 during which I discovered a proclivity for thermodynamic power cycles, heat transfer and engineering design. My curiosity, interests and encouragement from mentors led me down the path to pursue a PhD which is where I currently reside.

During the initial stages of my Master’s degree, I found enlightenment in topics pertaining to thermodynamics and thermal power cycles with a particular interest in the experimental procedures which help validate theory. This laid a foundation on which I would establish a fascination for the conversion of energy into useful forms and the methods through which we can optimise this. The Rankine cycle was a particular interest of mine due to the array of scales and operating conditions and the heat sources for which they are suitable.

I was first able to explore the practical applications of Rankine cycles during the summer of 2021 when I was offered a short-term placement position at Dungeness nuclear power station. Through this I was able to observe the sheer magnitude on which power can be generated and the complexities which are entangled in such a process. My position allowed me to explore the possibilities and implications of the different systems and is an area of interest I carry through my current research.

In 2022-2023 I was elected as the lead of the Sussex rocketry team where I enjoyed the management and organisation of a complex project, as well as the application of fluid dynamics and engineering design which contribute to the creation of a mid-powered rocket. My interest in research and the management of such a project led me to express and question the possibilities of a PhD. I was later approached by my then supervisor who encouraged, and recommended, I pursue a PhD position.

This is when I was first introduced to Dr Martin White as we began talks over a proposed PhD topic. The topic of research is the improvement of organic Rankine cycle (ORC) performance through two-phase expansion with application to waste heat recovery. The alignment of this topic with my interests, goals and experiences was inconceivable and a position I sought with great enthusiasm. Thankfully Martin saw my potential for the proposed research topic, and I was awarded a funded studentship with the University of Sussex. I continued my studies where I graduated with a first-class Master’s in Mechanical Engineering. I was also awarded the IMechE Frederic Barnes Waldren “Best Student” Award, IMechE Institution Best Student Award, and the University of Sussex Brian Roberts Prize for Best MEng Project.

As of September 2023, I have begun my PhD in the Thermo-Fluid Mechanics Research Centre at Sussex. With the supervision and support of Martin I aim to experimentally validate two-phase expansion as a means of improving ORC performance for waste heat recovery applications. Current studies demonstrate an improved power output through expanding from a mixture, however proven expander technologies that can expand effectively without damage are in demand. My research will seek to commission an experimental test facility in which a controlled two-phase flow can be expanded through a nozzle. Through this we hope to demonstrate that pure vapour flow, or a significant increase in vapour quality, can be achieved at the nozzle outlet.

My journey through academia has been enlightening and thrilling and I aim to continue this through my PhD and the pursuit of more knowledge.