About the Project
Research Group: Built Environment Research Group, Engineering Analysis Simulation and Tribology Research Group
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/science-and-technology/research/our-research-institutes-and-groups/built-environment-research-group
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/science-and-technology/research/our-research-institutes-and-groups/engineering-analysis-simulation-and-tribology-research-group
Proposed supervisory team: Prof Keith Jones ([Email Address Removed]), Prof Hassan Shirvani ([Email Address Removed])
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/science-and-technology/about/engineering-and-the-built-environment/our-staff/keith-jones
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/science-and-technology/about/engineering-and-the-built-environment/our-staff/hassan-shirvani
Theme: Sustainability
Summary of the research project:
Reducing energy and CO2 emissions in buildings is a major issue for both the UK and EU. The EU's 10-year growth strategy highlights the need to achieve a 20% increase in energy efficiency to support a low carbon economy and achieve sustainable growth. In 2011 non-residential buildings (EU, Switzerland and Norway) consumed approximately 146Mtoe of fuel (74% greater than 1990), of which Wholesale & Retail; Office; & Education buildings accounted for 96Mtoe. If the EU is to meet its 2020 energy targets, significant reductions in energy use in non-residential buildings must be achieved. Given that the vast majority of buildings that will be used in 2020 have already been built, the challenge is for Facilities Managers (FMs) and building owners to develop innovative ways of managing buildings in a more energy efficient way.
A recent study into the scope for energy and CO2 savings in the EU through the use of building automation technologies (BAT) identified the potential that integrating the range of existing building hardware (sensors, actuators, ICT etc.) into building management systems could reduce energy consumption. Nevertheless, current facilities management processes do not interface well with these technologies. In essence, FMs view the outputs from such systems as data, and not information. FMs do not possess the building models or tools to interrogate the outputs from these systems (to identify underlying trends or root causes) or evaluate the potential impacts that changes to building management systems could have on energy performance. As such, FMs rely on rules of thumb based on risk-averse strategies (don’t do anything until you have to) rather than developing innovative solutions based upon reliable data sets. Such an approach is not conducive to the step change in operation needed if the EU is to achieve its energy efficiency and CO2 targets.
The development of building information modelling (BIM) and in particular its application to the facilities management phase of the building life cycle provides an opportunity to model a building’s energy performance. If the intelligent BIM data could be combined with BAT data, then the potential impact of changes to a building’s management systems could be evaluated and cost/benefit models run before any changes are initiated. This would significantly reduce the risks associated with interventions, and should lead to reduced energy consumption and improved energy efficiency. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) can provide the basis for the development of dynamic BIM and BAT-informed building performance models. The aim of this linked PhD proposal (between BERG and EAST) is to develop and test a range of CFD facilities management models for the energy performance of buildings. A PhD student based in BERG would identify the building performance metrics and management attributes of such a system whilst a PhD student based in EAST would develop the CFD models and BIM interface. Both students would evaluate the performance of the models (BERG from a facilities management perspective, EAST from an energy management and occupant comfort or safety perspective) against a range of Anglia Ruskin University buildings.
In order to address the aim the projects will:
1. Identify the types of BAT and BIM data that could be used to support the development and testing of a CFD model of the energy performance of a building in use (Both Students).
2. Identify facilities management attributes (in terms of environmental, social and economic performance of buildings) required of a BIM/BAT model and develop performance metrics (including user behaviour) that would be used to test and validate the model (BERG Student)
3. Develop a CFD model that could be used to evaluate the performance of a building under normal term-time operation (EAST).
4. To develop and test the new model against a series of University of Greenwich buildings (Both Students).
5. Produce practical guidance for Architects, Engineers and Facilities Managers on how to use BIM/BAT to reduce energy consumption of buildings (Both Students).
The project will use a mixed methodology approach to data collection and analysis. Extensive desk studies will be pursued to identify suitable data (1), system attributes and performance metrics (2). building fabric properties, geometrical details, location and value of heat sources (including human), natural and forced ventilation scenarios (3), placement and location of sensors for model validation (4). Simulations will be run for selected university buildings (e.g. contrasting ancient with modern), validated against actual performance in use data (collected through existing BMS data, local sensors, and user questionnaires). Alternative FM strategies will then be developed (in conjunction with the University FM Department and Carbon Management group). The implications of these strategies on energy consumption and efficiency will be predicted through the CFD model and evaluated by actual performance data (it is assumed that a small number of FM strategies will be implemented within the University). Finally, guidance of the use of such an approach will be disseminated to industry through the BERG FM Portal. The project will establish an advisory group drawn from the Cabinet Office, Professional institutions and FM organisations.
Where you'll study: Chelmsford
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/student-life/life-on-campus/chelmsford-campus
Funding:
This project is self-funded. Details of studentships for which funding is available are selected by a competitive process and are advertised on our jobs website as they become available.
https://www24.i-grasp.com/fe/tpl_angliaruskin01.asp
Next steps:
If you wish to be considered for this project, we strongly advise you contact the proposed supervisory team. You will also need to formally apply for our Built Environment PhD or our Engineering and Tribology PhD. In the section of the application form entitled 'Outline research proposal', please quote the above title and include a research proposal.
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/built-environment
https://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/engineering-and-tribology
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