Solar powered medical oxygen generation for remote LMIC health facilities

About the research project

In remote low and middle income (LMIC) healthcare facilities worldwide, lack of reliable and affordable medical grade oxygen often compromises medical care. Conventional oxygen generation technology faces challenges in these settings including high running costs, maintenance and dependence on unreliable and non-renewable energy sources. A potential solution is emerging in the form of novel ceramic oxygen generation technology promising ultra-pure, pressurised medical-grade oxygen delivered reliably and sustainably, particularly if run on solar power. However, research is required to produce efficient and economic solutions.

This project concentrates on exploring approaches to system development and optimisation. This will include research into balancing power, energy generation and storage systems, optimising the generator’s electrical and thermal efficiency, analysis of system performance in relation to the diurnal and location-specific nature of solar power and economics. This will involve development, modelling and trialling of improved designs through benchtop, simulation and optimisation studies and field trials. Outcomes will support the transition to sustainable medical oxygen generation in remote LMIC settings.

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Timothy Gale

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master by Research)
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• An honours or Masters degree in mechanical, electrical, mechatronic or biomedical engineering or equivalent.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Experience in practical implementation of experimental solar technology and conducting associated pilot studies.
• Ability to develop novel engineering system models and perform complex optimisation simulations.
• Authorship of high-quality journal articles.

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Timothy Gale to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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