Fully Funded iCASE PhD Research Studentship Opportunity Project Title: “Urban Energy Rhythms”

 Fully Funded iCASE PhD Research Studentship Opportunity

Project Title: “Urban Energy Rhythms”

Based at Costain’s Maidenhead offices in Berkshire and the University of Reading

Closing Date for Applications:  10 June 2016

Active management of energy demand will be an essential part of our future smart cities, and as a consequence, fundamental assumptions must be reflected in system design from the outset. Energy demand can only be managed in so far as either the user is prepared to forego an energy service (discretionary) or the system includes built-in (latent) energy storage. If neither of these criteria is met, flexible supply or additional energy storage will likely be needed in preference to demand management.

 Working with UK construction leader Costain, whose catalogue of awards recognise them as best innovators of technologies for construction and by applying your research within their most influential projects, you will combine modelling at different levels of complexity to enable simulations and analysis of different energy scenarios within mixed use developments that span commercial and residential communities.

This project will model the energy behaviour of distinct development components and develop design recommendations for optimising the deployment of energy assets including local generation and energy storage.

The main objectives of this research, include:

• Establish and define relevant energy use types, related to distinct development components or assets, e.g. domestic homes, commercial offices, sports venue, rail hub etc.

• Establish quantitative energy characteristics for each component type, drawing on statistical and signal processing techniques.

• Model the energy interactions between component types for a case study development. A multi scale modelling approach is envisaged to break down complexity in a manner that can be related to usable design decisions.

• Explore the value of energy balancing options, including the interplay between sources and sinks of energy and how additional systems, such as energy storage, should be specified and controlled in order to maximize benefits and minimize costs

• Develop the modelling tool and / or accompanying design recommendations into a form that can support energy infrastructure design decision.

 Your work will be supported by the TSBE Centre within the University of Reading, a dynamic and well-funded, EPSRC doctoral training centre that drives collaborative research within technologies for the sustainable built environment with a programme of helping over 40 Research Engineers to become the thought leaders of the future.  We are seeking ambitious, enthusiastic individuals who are self-motivated and tenacious.  Successful candidates will also be capable of engaging effectively with wider colleagues, business partners and clients. Excellent organisational and communication skills are required. A keen interest to engage in industry focussed research is essential.

 The research will be supervised within the School of the Built Environment by Dr. Phil Coker and Associate Professor Dr. Ben Potter.

 4 Year Package

• Stipend of £20,000 p.a.
• All tuition fees are included
• Expenses package included
• PhD awarded by the University of Reading

 Eligibility

Applicants should have a background and strong interest in energy and its management in future built environments.  To qualify academically, candidates must possess a good relevant first degree (2:1 or higher) or MSc in a related area. Experience of computer simulation tools and knowledge of power system principles are desirable.

Please note there are eligibility requirements, for more details refer to the EPSRC web site

http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/skills/students/help/Pages/eligibility.aspx

Applications

Applications should be made online through our website at:

http://www.reading.ac.uk/pgapply

Please ensure that you also upload a full CV and Personal Statement with your online application.

Vacancy Reference No: P11-2016

Post to start:  October 2016