Nano-PCM application in PV/T assisted heat pump

UK’s net zero strategy clearly emphasis role of heat pumps, other renewable technologies (e.g. Solar PV/thermal, hydrogen) and EVs with increased share of renewable in electricity while keeping security of supply in mind. A heavy reliance on gas in domestic heating, housing stock, cost and user behaviour/awareness pose some challenge for such efficient and renewable technologies.

Heat pumps have key role in decarbonising heat in building sector. Heat pump integration with Photovoltaics/Thermal (PV/T) technology could provide several benefits with use of energy storage (thermal/electrical). Such integrated technologies could play key role to provide demand side flexibility with benefits to user. Although this system can provide space heating, hot water, and electricity to meet full or partial domestic energy needs, the optimum system sizing, control and performance is a challenging task for their application in domestic sector.

This project aims to investigate potential use of Nanomaterial based Phase Change Material (PCM) applications in PV/T assisted or PV/T driven heat pump (PVTHP). The project would focus in three key areas: 1.) Investigation on various possible integration of PV/T with heat pumps, 2.) Use of PCM at various level with PVTHP and 3.) Performance enhancements with use of suitable Nanomaterial with PCM and with PVTHP system in general.

The project will be supported by researchers and technical staff at CST.  To support the project, software such as TRNSYS, MATLAB and Ansys would be used for numerical analysis and system simulation based on various configuration. For experimental evaluation, existing PV/T unit, heat pump unit, test chamber and characterisation facilities at Ulster University and with other partner universities/industries will be used.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Publications - peer-reviewed

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

​​Giuseppe, E., Angelo, Z. & Michele, D. C., 2017. A heat pump coupled with photovoltaic thermal hybrid solar collectors: A case study of a multi-source energy system. Energy Conversion and Management, Volume 151, pp. 386-399.

​Li, J. et al., 2022. A hybrid photovoltaic and water/air based thermal(PVT) solar energy collector with integrated PCM for building application. Renewable Energy, Volume 199, pp. 662-671.

​NZS, 2021. Policy paper: Net Zero Strategy: Build Back Greener. [Online]
Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/net-zero-strategy

​Raghad, S. K., Alan, S. F. & Peter, R. D., 2015. Solar systems and their integration with heat pumps: A review. Energy and Buildings, Volume 87, pp. 395-412.

​Sreekumar, S. et al., 2022. Numerical investigation and feasibility study on MXene/water nanofluid based photovoltaic/thermal system. Cleaner Energy Systems, Volume 2.