PhD Study : Multifunctional Building Integrated Solar Technologies

Summary

Energy efficiency is at the core of UK government’s commitment to reduce overall CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050. In the UK buildings account 50% of total CO2 emissions. As energy demand continues to surge, so do the challenges; peak demand shortages, dependence on energy imports, alleviate CO2 emissions and secure sustainable green energy. Integration of solar energy technologies within building is drawing increasing attention in the solar energy research field.

The principal aim of this research project is to design, develop and experimental characterisation of multifunctional building façade that uses solar energy technologies with in-built storage. The multifunctional building facades envelope systems will provide thermal insulation, daylight control, and incorporates solar electric/thermal collection/conversion with thermal energy storage. The ultimate goal of this project is to address the pressing energy challenges in the built environment to achieve inexpensive energy trilemma solutions that can reduce greenhouse emissions. The project will explore the scientific/technical challenges, including control strategies relating to building integrated solar façade that utilise innovative solar technologies and will evaluate the supply/demand flexibility of this system in balancing solar capture and building energy demand over prolonged periods. Of interest is the electricity vs thermal supply dynamics and the respective economic and environmental implications, architectural integration methods and operations.

The proposed project will be based on the following tasks

*Design a multifunctional solar façade with in-built storage

*Develop modular prototypes to evaluate performance under indoor/outdoor conditions, optimise product development in an iterative design process

*Predict the thermal and energetic performance of the prototype units using numerical simulations

*Design a controller strategy for optimum operations under variable climatic conditions

*Conduct techno--economic-environmental impact assessments of the technologies

The research will be carried out within CST lab. A prototype unit will be developed to permit intrusive measurement sensors to investigate the effect of thermal control mechanism.  The CST’s indoor solar simulator facilities will be used to simulate solar heat gain. Test bed will include temperature and pressure measurement sensors, pyranometers, and data acquisition system and energy meter. Experimental data collected from the tests will be analysed and compared to the modelled data to verify the validity of the simulation model. The exiting thermal comfort chamber will be utilised to measure indoor conditions. Outdoor experimentation will be carried out in CST. For outdoor testing in heat dominated climates established PhD Erasmus collaborations with the Universities or Patras (Greece), Napoli (Italy), Limassol (Cyprus) and Lleida (Spain) can be utilised. Computer modelling will be carried out using existing software tools.

The proposed research will have regional applicability. Inherent in the project, through design and regional relationship, social, environmental and economic sustainability will be key component of the proposed research. The research will develop industrial and professional partnerships and linkage. The proposed research will have impact on increasing legislation regarding the efficiency and environmental impact of space heating. The research will establish networks with national and international research groups and industries focusing on similar energy efficient technologies for buildings.

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.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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