Data-driven models in the Performance Analysis and Operational Optimization of Domestic Buildings (ABCE18/R753/Domestic)

Application details:
Reference number: ABCE18/R753/Domestic
PhD start date: 1 October 2018
Advert closing date: 31 July 2018
Interview date: 13 August 2018

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Professor Jonathan Wright
Secondary supervisor: Dr Richard Buswell

Loughborough University
In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, the School was ranked first for research environment in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning, with 95% of research rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ for its influence on society, the economy and policy. The School boasts world class facilities, with £1.4m recently invested in the 3,000m2 laboratory facilities and a £1.24m High Performance Computing facility – one of the UK’s fastest clusters.

A key part of the School’s ethos is the extensive links with industry. Many research projects are sponsored and applied by organisations in the civil engineering, construction and transport sectors, and Loughborough graduates are extremely sought after by industry and commerce world-wide.

Project Detail:
Applications are invited for PhD research into the robust design and control optimization of buildings, this research being based in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering at Loughborough University.

The research investigates the application of data-driven “inverse-models” in analysing the performance and condition of a building and its energy systems. The approach uses models which are calibrated to an individual building using temperature and energy use data, such data being available in the future from smart meters and smart-control systems. The models will also be used to identify operating scenarios that improve performance, such as strategies to limit overheating or reduce energy use.

This project is one of four studentships focused on the design and operation of buildings on an individual and community scale. All four projects make use of building performance modelling and numerical search methods, with the students in the cohort collaborating to accelerate their individual understanding and to explore research questions that lie across the boundaries of their individual topics.

Find out more:
www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/abce/pg-research/

Entry requirements:
Students will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A relevant Master’s degree and/or employment experience will be an advantage. Applicants having a background in subjects relating to building energy use, mechanical or control engineering, and computing science are particularly welcomed.

Contact details:
For information about the research project, please contact:

Name: Jonathan Wright
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: (01509) 222621

For information about the application process, please contact:

Name: Mr Berkeley Young
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: (01509) 222611

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/research-applications/. Under programme name, please select Civil and Building Engineering (Built Environment).

Please quote reference number: ABCE18/R753/Domestic