PhD Studentship: Synthetic load profiles for future, decarbonised, domestic heat demand in GB

The decarbonisation of heat demand, for the domestic sector in the UK, is expected to require significant deployment of air source heat pumps (ASHP), and heat networks (other technologies being minor contributors to decarbonisation).

For air source heat pumps, in particular, the UK Government policy is for installations to reach 600,000/year by 2030. At present, the rate of deployment is significantly lower than that.
Smart meter technology enables, potentially, a good understanding of domestic heat demand. However, these demand profiles are influenced by the technology of heat delivery, which is predominantly gas-fired condensing boilers with a wet radiator system, and either on-demand hot water (from a combi-boiler) or a hot water cylinder.

A transition from natural gas, to a more decarbonised heat source, has implications for heat network demand and electricity network demand. To model the implications of widespread adoption of new technologies, requires new demand profiles which these networks will experience. At present, uptake of these technologies is limited and so measured demand profiles are relatively low in number and not fully representative of the GB domestic market.

Aim:
To develop a portfolio of synthetic load profiles for domestic heat demand delivered via ASHPs and heat networks.

Objectives:
• To complete an evaluation of existing heat demand, based on available data sets;
• To analyse ways in which existing demand profiles for heat (space and water) is characterised by the technology of delivery;
• To develop a catalogue of synthetic demand profiles for ASHPs and heat networks, informed by the characteristics of the technology of delivery;
• To validate profiles using available demand data;
• To integrate barriers and enablers into the model of ASHP installation.

Person specification:
• BEng/MEng in Engineering discipline with appropriate energy and data modules, particularly Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering (minimum of 2:1 degree or higher)
• UK home student status holder
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Interdisciplinary data science and energy interests
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment

Essential skills:
• Experience with data manipulation methods
• Experience with data privacy and interest in data governance
• Familiarity with, or keen interest in, large data sets

Funding notes:
This scholarship covers (UK home) tuition fees and stipend. The stipend is the national UK standard.

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