The design and integration of a novel heat-pump system with stratified thermal energy storage to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions

(i) Scientific Excellence

Heating in buildings consumes significant amounts of energy. This project aims to improve the efficiency of heating in residential buildings whilst reducing dependence on fossil fuels by integrating stratified thermal storage with a novel heat pump technology. NTU and Gannet Ltd have been working closely together on developing a new stratified energy storage technology which has been recently published in Applied Energy (see Al-Habaibeh, 2018). Gannet Ltd are also in the process of filing a patent in relation to a new and efficient heat-pump technology.

(II) Research aims and/or research hypothesis, set within national/international context

This project aims to integrate stratified thermal storage with heat pump technology to reduce energy consumption, enhance utilisation of renewable energy and address energy poverty.
The objectives of the research are:
1. Evaluating the efficiency of thermal stratification in reducing energy consumption and integrating heat pump technology in comparison to a standard thermal storage.
2. Assessing the effectiveness of the new heat pump technology, being developed by Gannet Ltd, in comparison to standard heat pump systems.
3. Simulating on a national-level the benefits of both technologies in relation to the investment cost and the pay-back period.
4. Evaluating the effect of stratified thermal storage on the peak load on the grid.
5. Evaluating current user-centred design of the heating systems interfaces and possible improvement that could be developed using a modern smart phone technology.

(III) Methodology, Research Design and Planning, highlighting novelty, ambition and Innovations;

The methodology will utilise the experimental approach using the stratified thermal storage simulator and the new heat pump technology; this will be combined with simulation and survey. Novelty and Innovation: This project includes technology innovation from the thermal storage as well as heat pump technology.

(IV) How does the project align to NTU institutional strategic research priorities,

In line with the Sustainable Future theme, this project aims to explore low carbon technologies, reduce energy consumption for heating, enhance renewable energy utilisation and improve our understanding to the user-centred design of controlling heating systems to reduce consumption.

(V) How does the project fit within the remit of the DTA

This project will enhance the training, skills and knowledge of the research fellow by working with our industrial partner and the supervisory team to utilise innovative technologies to address future energy security (demand), energy consumption on a micro and macro scale. The project combined theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare the PhD student for a wide range of career options.

Applications

Applicants must apply using the online form on the University Alliance website at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/how-to-apply/. Full details of the programme, eligibility details and a list of available research projects can be seen at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/

The final deadline for application is Monday 8 October 2018. There will be another opportunity to apply for DTA3 projects in the spring of 2019. The list of available projects is likely to change for the second intake.