Project Supervisor
School
Location
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
Research topic
Smart Sewer Networks have been increasingly adopted by water utilities in Australia and overseas to better manage the aging infrastructure and prevent sewer spills. Such systems typically involve the use of IoT (Internet-of-Things) sensors to continuously monitor the sewer depth and other parameters across the network, and advanced data analytics to interpret the data for blockage detection and sewer spill early warning. Given the large scale of sewer networks and the substantial cost associated with sensors and monitoring, it is important to optimally place the IoT sensors for cost-effectiveness.
This industry PhD research project is in collaboration with water utility Barwon Water. The key focus will be developing new algorithms and practical frameworks to enable the identification of locations (maintenance holes) that are suitable to have sewer monitoring sensors. This new capability will enable water utilities to maximize the coverage range and minimise the cost. The project will also involve the development of advanced data analytics to interpret the data for blockage detection and spill early warning.
Project aim
The project will involve the following specific aims:
- to advance the knowledge on how partial blockages in sewer networks change the hydraulic conditions of sewer flow
- to identify and assess factors affecting the detectability of changes in sewer depth in maintenance holes
- to develop a framework for optimal sensor placement across a sewer network that maximize the effective coverage and minimise the cost
Important dates
Applications close 5pm, Sunday March 23 2025
Benefits
This scholarship is available over 3 years.
- Stipend of $50,550, per annum tax exempt (inclusive of a top-up as per the REACH agreement)
- Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
- Additional consumables fund: up to $5,000 per annum for three years
International students only:
- Tuition fees offset
for the duration of 4 years Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa
- Access to an experimental system simulating a gravity sewer pipe at Deakin University
- Access to real sewer systems and data via industry partner Barwon Water
- A three-month internship provided by industry partner Barwon Water
- The Research Leadership program provided by Water Research Australia (WaterRA)
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible you must:
- be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
- meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
- be enrolling full time
Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
How to apply
Please email a CV and cover letter (including your interest in the project) to Dr James Gong The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.
Contact us
For more information about this scholarship, please contact:
Dr James Gong
Email james.gong@deakin.edu.au
+61 3 522 73723