Recent agreements between world nations on climate change mitigation will result in mandatory requirements to reduce energy use by buildings by defining and implementing nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) standards. Building facades act as a key modulator between the indoor and outdoor environments, therefore controlling the energy flows into or out of the building can potentially have a substantial influence on energy demand and building carbon emissions. In addition, they provide an opportunity for harnessing renewable energy to offset building energy use.
Facade/ glazing systems will be needed to act as smart multifunction glazed components bringing together a range of properties such as excellent thermal insulation, energy harvesting and light transmission and energy storage. Traditional glazed facades have reached the limits achievable for thermal insulation performance, however further improvements have been shown to be achievable with the development of a Vacuum Insulated Glazing (VIG). An evacuated cavity provides several opportunities for additional functionality for electrical/ thermal energy harvesting and coupled with a suitable energy storage system, has the potential make a positive contribution to the building energy needs. For the successful development of these systems key issues include seal technologies for the vacuum cavity which could accommodate mechanisms for the transport of electrical/ thermal energy to a storage system.
The devices used for solar energy harvesting require investigation together with how harvested energy is transported and used within the building or options for energy storage to be used during periods without generation. The additional functionality of the vacuum insulated glazing may be considered to include the use novel materials or coatings for light/energy control.
The proposed facade systems would have applications for a range of climates and would ideally be applicable for both new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings including those with heritage value.
Applicants are expected to have:
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.
If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.
The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.
Appointment will be made on merit.
The University offers the following levels of support:
The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:
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.
The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (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.
Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living
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Ghoraishi, M., Hyde, T., Zacharopoulos, A., Mondol, J., Pugsley, A (2023) Concentrating Photovoltaic/Thermal Evacuated Glazing (CoPVTEG); Introduction and computational analysis, Solar Energy 263
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Submission deadline
Monday 26 February 2024
04:00PM
Interview Date
Mid March 2024
Preferred student start date
16 September 2024
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