Smart optimization of energy performance and infoor air quality in residential buildings

The energy performance of residential buildings needs to be radically improved to meet ambitious climate change goals, however this must be achieved while maintaining an acceptable and preferably a desirable indoor environment. This PhD project will explore the trade-offs between, and optimal solutions for, reducing energy consumption while guaranteeing high levels of indoor air quality in homes.

This project is focused on the performance of new and innovative indoor air quality management strategies incorporating recent advances in sensor technology and cloud-based data storage to improve the quality of the indoor environment. The PhD student will collaborate with industry partners to examine the performance of smart sensor-based control systems (for heating and ventilation systems) in practice, while facilitating the development of innovative solutions that optimise both energy efficiency and indoor air quality.  

Training and support will include the use of relevant indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring equipment, sensor technologies and data analysis methods to explore the complex relationship between indoor and outdoor air quality, the built environment and health. You will work closely with an international team of leading experts from the fields of architecture, health and sensor technologies.  

The PhD project will support activities undertaken by University of Strathclyde as part of an International Annex on ‘Energy Efficient Smart IAQ Management for Residential Buildings’ (see: https://annex86.iea-ebc.org)  

The project builds on the work of the Health Effects of Modern Airtight Construction (HEMAC) Network, to bring together public health and built environment professionals to support the design of healthy, low energy homes. For more information, see www.hemacnetwork.com.  

In addition to undertaking cutting edge research, students are also registered for the Postgraduate Certificate in Researcher Development (PGCert), which is a supplementary qualification that develops a student’s skills, networks and career prospects.

Information about the host department can be found by visiting:

https://www.strath.ac.uk/research/subjects/architecture/

Subject Areas include: Public HealthEnvironmental, ScienceEcotoxicology and Pollution, Architecture and the built environment, Social science and health, Data analysis, Climatology and Climate Change