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Digital twin of heat pumps integrated with thermal energy storage

Funding
Funded
Study mode
Full-time
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Start date
Year round
Subject area
Engineering
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Overview

This is a funded project that aims to develop models to quantify the impacts of heat electrification, to develop solutions through demand side management using heat storages, and to quantify the flexibility provided by heat storages and exploit it.

About this opportunity

Electrification of heating supply will have massive impacts on the electricity grid. A highly electrified heating sector may cause large demand transient and peaks/troughs when many heat pumps are switched near-simultaneously, potentially destabilising the operation of networks. Heat supply also has complicated interdependence and interactions with other sectors such as industry and renewable power generation.

This project aims to develop models to quantify the impacts of heat electrification, to develop solutions through demand side management using heat storages, and to quantify the flexibility provided by heat storages and exploit it. Based on the obtained understanding, the project aims to establish a digital twin of an exemplar heating system that integrates heat pumps with thermal energy storage to explore and demonstrate how such flexible heating systems could manage heat demand in response to weather forecasts, and thus minimise their impact on the electricity grid collectively.

The student is expected to work on the modelling side of the digital twin, including advanced modelling of heating system (heat pump integrated with heat storage), machine learning models for heat demand forecasting, etc.

The student will have a great opportunity to work in a large consortium with researchers from Strathclyde, Herriot Watt, St Andrew Universities, and industrial partner Scottish Power Energy Power networks.

Who is this opportunity for?

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a master’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university in an appropriate field of engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class undergraduate degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

We want all of our staff and students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

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How to apply

  1. 1. Contact supervisors

    Professor Zhibin Yu.

  2. 2. Prepare your application documents

    You may need the following documents to complete your online application:

    • University transcripts and degree certificates to date
    • A curriculum vitae (CV)
    • A cover letter/personal statement
    • Contact details of two academic referees.
  3. 3. Apply

    Finally, register and apply online. You'll receive an email acknowledgment once you've submitted your application. We'll be in touch with further details about what happens next.

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Funding your PhD

The funded studentship will cover full tuition fees of £4,786 per year and pay a maintenance grant for 3.5 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of £19,237 pa. for 2024/2025. The studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant.
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Contact us

Have a question about this research opportunity or studying a PhD with us? Please get in touch with us, using the contact details below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

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