PhD Study : Innovative solar thermal diodes for use in adaptive/dynamic building envelopes

Summary

​Over 30% of global final energy consumption can be attributed to residential and commercial sector buildings. To achieve Net/Near-Zero Energy Building commitments, building envelopes using adaptive/dynamic technologies will be instrumental in reducing energy consumption. Adaptive façade panels, switching between collection and heat retention modes (providing sustained solar heat to a building when needed and high levels of thermal insulation when not) can control the timing, direction and quantity of heat flow through the building envelope, theoretically reducing fabric heating (and cooling) demands by up to 50%.

The aim of this project is to develop an adaptive building façade technology based on pioneering work at Ulster University. The study will require the investigation of the thermal diode and its relationship to the panel, explored through theoretical and experimental study. The project will design and develop a panel concept with a suitable evaluation programme to characterise the technology and determine key techno-economic performance variables.

The main objectives of this PhD project are as follows:

• Identify suitable materials, components and fabrication/assembly techniques for the concept design
• Design and development of a concept prototype system(s)
• Develop a suitable modelled representation of the system concept
• Undertake experimental and theoretical analysis to determine the performance characteristics of the system
• Undertake a parametric analysis to optimise the sizing of the system components
• Compare the performance of the prototype system with conventional system/building components
• Conduct a techno-economic analysis of the prototype system ​

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living