Brief Description:

This scholarship supports students whose projects align with the three UC Research Commitments as they study towards a research doctoral degree at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

Research Topic: Digital twins for low-carbon winery energy and water systems

This PhD project will develop and validate a digital twin of winery energy and water systems to help reduce energy use, water demand, costs, and carbon emissions. In partnership with Indevin, the research will model key winery operations such as fermentation, refrigeration, hot-water systems, cleaning-in-place, and water use. The project will explore how scheduling, utility control, thermal storage, and renewable energy integration can improve efficiency and support operational and investment decisions across different winery sites and vintages.

This project would suit a candidate who has a strong background in chemical/process or energy engineering, with skills in process modelling, simulation, data analysis, and computational modelling. Applicants should have strong quantitative and problem-solving abilities, an interest in digital twins, industrial energy and water systems, optimisation, and sustainable processing, and be able to work independently and collaboratively with strong communication skills.

For more information on the Project Scope and Key Requirements, see the Research Project profile.

Any project-specific questions, please contact the Primary Supervisor, Alfred Herritsch.

Additional Information:

UC Commitments Doctoral Scholarship details

Value/Benefits: $32,650 per 120 points of thesis enrolment and tuition fees for thesis enrolment only, at the New Zealand domestic rate; plus an additional $5,000 for research expenses across the duration of degree.

Level of Study: Doctoral

Closing Date: 27 October

Tenure: Up to 360 points of enrolment

Applicable Enrolment During Tenure: The scholarship is tenable by students engaged in study for a research doctoral degree

Citizenship/Residency Requirements: There are no citizenship or residency requirements for this scholarship

For more information, please read the regulations for this award: click here.

Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact Scholarships Office at scholarships@canterbury.ac.nz