Research Associate/Fellow in Research and Development of Domestic Thermal Energy Storage: Advanced Distributed Storage for Grid Benefits (ADSorB) (Fixed term)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious researcher to join our team working on the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) funded project, ADSorB, Advanced Distributed Storage for Grid Benefits, part of the Longer Duration Energy Storage Demonstration programme. The University of Nottingham is one of 4 organisations that make up the project’s consortium. 

The ADSorB project will deploy and demonstrate a series of innovative, smart, and interoperable thermal energy stores to reduce domestic energy consumption and carbon emissions. The stores will be able to supplement existing energy systems for retrofitted properties or be deployed in place of current state of the art heating systems to provide longer duration energy storage for heating and hot water demands in a way that significantly enhances UK energy flexibility and supports wider network resilience.

Based around two primary energy storage technologies, thermochemical (TCS) and phase change material (PCM), for use in domestic settings, this project will demonstrate how the technologies can defer grid demands, reduce energy costs and optimise for low carbon energy consumption. TCS technologies have the potential to offer inter-day, inter-week or longer storage of thermal energy, while PCM offers inter day storage. By combining these capabilities, the technologies have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions, provide greater flexibility to store renewable energy, and support the UK government in meeting the 6th Carbon Budget.

The project team brings together a commercial partner with experience of bringing new thermal storage technologies to market with academic research and development expertise specialising in thermal storage, control and low carbon technologies.

Candidates should have knowledge, skills and experience on energy systems performance monitoring, data acquisition, data handling, and undertaking research in energy and buildings. Candidates must hold or be about to obtain a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant science/engineering discipline, such as sustainable energy, sustainable building technologies, thermal energy storage, building services engineering. 

The successful candidate will also possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, skills in writing reports and presentations, ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the group and within the project, and enthusiasm, motivation and drive to embed new knowledge and to take ownership of the relevant work package within project. Relevant industry experience (including work placements) is desirable but not essential. 

This position is offered on a fixed term contract until 31^st October 2024. Hours of work are full time (36.25 hours per week). Job share arrangements may be considered. 

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Mark Gillott, email: mark.gillott@nottingham.ac.uk
Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Advert information