There is an urgent need to decarbonise space and water heating in UK homes – currently most homes are heated with gas or oil boilers, and we need to find an alternative. Electric heat pumps are one compelling option. But are UK homes and radiator systems suitable for heat pumps? What changes would be needed to enable widespread and efficient use of heat pumps?
This project will investigate the suitability of UK homes and radiators for heat pumps, using monitored datasets from gas boilers and heat pumps, possibly combined with building energy modelling. The knowledge developed in this PhD will help to quantify the additional capital costs of converting from gas or oil boilers to heat pumps, and the trade-offs with heat pump performance. Ultimately, this will help to guide UK energy policy towards a cost-effective, secure transition from fossil fuels to decarbonised domestic heating.
The results of this project are of direct interest to UK Government, National Grid, and various other important stakeholders.
This project is one of five PhDs in Sustainable and Circular Built Environment. The successful candidate will be part of a growing community of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers and academics who are extending the boundaries of knowledge and delivering transformative solutions to real-world problems. The other projects in Sustainable and Circular Built Environment are
- Architectural design process against a sustainable environment
- Natural ventilation for indoor air quality and cooling to mitigate hay fever
- Project 4 tbc
- Project 5 tbc
Additional Funding Information
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, IT equipment and other support services. University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Fees are reviewed annually and are likely to increase to take into account inflationary pressures.
The School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering's studentship competition offers the chance for UK and International applicants who are interested in undertaking a PhD to have their full-time studies paid for.
The studentship is for 3 years and provides a tax-free stipend of £18,622 per annum (2023/24 rate) for the duration of the studentship plus university tuition fees.
Studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to advertised projects starting with the reference 'ABCE24'.