PhD studentship available in Energy Demand
UCL is one of the world's premier universities, consistently ranked in the global top 10. It is a world-class research and teaching institution.
The UCL Energy Institute was established as UCL's response to the global challenges of mitigating climate change and providing energy security in the 21st century, as well as to support the UCL Grand Challenges. UCL has a substantial track record of energy research and world-leading competencies in a wide range of disciplines; the mission of the UCL Energy Institute is to build on this foundation by coordinating and stimulating research on energy and carbon emissions reductions across the university. The Institute helps build multidisciplinary teams and supports academics in applying their skills to the energy problem. For more information about our research and our people see our website http://www.ucl.ac.uk/energy/.
The UCL Energy Institute Doctoral Training Programme includes the London - Loughborough Centre for Doctoral Research in Energy Demand, which is the premier centre for energy demand research in the built environment in the UK. The Centre offers fully funded four year PhD studentships to eligible applicants.
The Centre brings together two leading energy research universities, UCL and Loughborough University, who together have the expertise to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills to take on senior roles in academia, industry, commerce and policy formulation. It also links two regions with vibrant and expanding activity in the energy and built environment arena.
The Centre offers a four year programme which combines a one year Master of Research (MRes) followed by a three year doctorate (PhD).
Why apply?
- As one of our students you will join a vibrant and diverse community of academics and graduate students.
- We aim to deliver a broadly based, multi-disciplinary and demanding PhD training programme which will prepare you for your future career.
- On completion of the programme you will have expert knowledge in the area of energy research relevant to your research project; project and programme management skills; teamwork, communication and leadership skills and the ability to seek optimal solutions to complex or multifaceted problems.
- You will receive an enhanced stipend of £17,090 per annum tax-free plus UK/EU fees for four years (conditions apply).
Who we are looking for
Applications are invited from UK graduates with a good first degree (1st or 2:1) in one of the following areas - physics, mathematics, engineering, chemistry, natural sciences, materials science or a related physical science. Eligible EU and overseas students with these or equivalent qualifications may also apply.
Studentship Details
The CDT is dedicated to addressing the challenge of climate change and this should be reflected in the project undertaken by the successful student. Projects on offer this year include:
- Heat pumps and smart energy - a dynamic problem
This engineering/physics project will investigate the detailed interplay between heat delivery via heat pumps, thermal mass of living spaces, other thermal storage options and the need to minimise demands on the grid. - Multifunctional insulation materials
The majority of available insulation materials are selected only for their thermal performance. However, considerable cost reductions, energy savings and ease of operations may be achieved by the development of multifunctional insulation materials, selected for properties such as low toxicity, structural performance, ease of cutting to size, robustness for maintenance etc, in addition to thermal properties. This project will investigate the science and cost-effectiveness of multifunctional insulation materials. - What does all this data mean?
Suited to a student with strong mathematical background, this project will employ probabilistic techniques to investigate the evidence for trends in energy consumption, and relation to physical effects. - Development of practical tests for estimating heat losses from heat distribution systems in buildings in the field
Changes in building regulations over the last decade have meant that the annual demand for space heating is now less than that for water heating in typical new dwellings. This means that a significant proportion of heat losses associated with provision of hot water can no longer be assumed to be useful and may contribute to overheating of living spaces in Summer. In the same way that the co-heating test has been developed to enable the quanitification of fabric heat loss, there is a need for a series of tests to characterise heat losses from heat distribution and storage systems in buildings. The aim of this project is to develop, demonstrate and evaluate such tests for a variety of building types.
The above projects may evolve over the course of the MRes year, in the light of new developments. We will also consider student proposals.
Studentship Details: 1 full EPSRC funded studentship for eligible applicants
Stipend: Enhanced stipend of £17,090 per annum tax-free plus UK/EU fees
Duration: Four years (conditional upon completion of the MRes + MPhil to PhD upgrade)
Start Date: September 2012 (Enrolment week commencing 17th September 2012 tbc)
Eligibility: See http://www.lolo.ac.uk/joinus/page/title/becomeastudent/
How to apply
Applicants must complete an online pre-application form (http://www.lolo.ac.uk/joinus/application). If you are unable to submit an online form or have technical difficulties please contact Alison Parker at alison.parker@ucl.ac.uk. The closing date for the receipt of completed applications is Friday 11 May 2012 at 17.00. Interviews will be held the week commencing the 28 May 2012.
