Hardy and Ellis Inventions Limited - 3 Year Industry-led funded PhD: Towards energy efficient thermal comfort in mixed-use buildings

This PhD will attempt to revolutionise the way in which indoor heating is controlled in order to save energy and improve thermal comfort in existing mixed use buildings. Energy used for heating represents over 50% of domestic energy use in UK, and has increased by 1/3rd in the past 40 years (Energy Fact File, DECC 2013). Hardy & Ellis Inventions Ltd (H&E) is developing a retrofit technology based on remotely controllable thermostatic radiator valves which replace existing manual valves. These can then be controlled individually under computer direction. We estimate this system could save between 20%-50% by reducing overheating and heating of unused spaces. This system represents a unique opportunity for research which could save energy by reshaping thermal comfort expectations and the use of control systems. The technology will also develop leading and innovative data-driven approaches which H&E Inventions plan to commercialise. Specifically, the researcher will i) deploy, evaluate, and extend H&Es current reheat flow modelling approach to larger scale, mixed use buildings, ii) conduct a series of studies to measure the effects of the system in terms of energy and thermal performance; and iii) build new understandings of the spatial and temporal changes in the use of space and comfort practices that result from the system.

This experimentally-led PhD requires a mix of proven quantitative and qualitative methods to undertake a series of observational and empirical studies. We seek a recent numerate graduate with good experimental/maths /modelling skills, who is a good communicator willing to engage with stakeholders to better understand the user dynamics of the space itself. Candidates should be from a cognate discipline (eg. Computer science, geography, environmental science) with interests in energy and/or building design.

Industry Partner
The PhD Project will be supervised by:
-Lancaster University: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/
-Hardy and Ellis Inventions Limited: https://www.heinventions.com/

Hardy & Ellis Inventions are a technology company specialising in building commercial products from academic research. Its directors, Dr Ellis and Dr Hardy, are Lancaster Alumni and have built a 4 strong team, also Alumni. We provide industrial quality, safety, and augmented reality products based on research undertaken at Lancaster.

Application details
To apply for this opportunity please email [Email Address Removed] with:
-A CV (2 pages maximum)
-PhD Application Form: http://bit.ly/cgephdap
-Application Criteria Document: http://bit.ly/cgephdapcr
-Funded PhD Reference Form: http://bit.ly/cgephdref
-Reference number: CGE39

Application deadline
30th October 2016. Provisional interview date in October with a view to starting the project by January 2017.

Centre for Global Eco-Innovation
For further information please visit http://www.globalecoinnovation.org/

This PhD is one of a cohort of industry-led funded PhD projects from the Centre for Global Eco-Innovation, subject to approval of European Funding. The Centre for Global Eco-Innovation is an international alliance supporting university-business collaboration. The Centre delivers high quality, business-led research to create eco-innovative technologies, products and services. At the heart of the centre are people who are researching, developing and innovating to address global challenges, including energy, water, natural capital, resource efficiency, food, and waste, to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits. Launched in 2012 the Centre and has won two national awards for its ground breaking approach to sustainable R&D and knowledge exchange.