DTU, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering (DTU Construct) invites applications for a PhD scholarship in Data-Enabled Heating Optimisation in Apartment Buildings.
Project Overview
District Heating companies are urgently undergoing a transition towards using large heat pumps and low-temperature heat sources. The success of this shift largely depends on the reduction of supply temperatures in district heating networks due to their significant effect on the Coefficient of Performance (COP) of heat pumps. However, the transition is hindered by apartment buildings that maintain unnecessarily high operating temperatures through their heating pipes, necessitating network operators to set their supply temperatures high enough to accommodate these apartments’ demands.
Addressing this issue and reducing these temperatures could result in annual savings of around 14 billion euros within the EU and between 300 to 350 million euros in Denmark, making this an extremely high-priority task.
In collaboration with leading heat-invoicing companies, our project intends to resolve this problem by tapping into extensive datasets from the digital heat cost allocators (HCAs) already in use in apartment buildings. These devices, which are mounted on radiators, measure heat output and wirelessly transmit the data. Over a hundred million HCAs have been installed worldwide, and the EU requires their near-universal implementation by 2027.
We can use the data from HCAs to create a detailed visualization of heating distribution at the radiator level. This approach allows us to understand where heating is primarily utilized. By merging this data with the main district heating meter data, we can create accurate digital twins for near real-time identification of performance inefficiencies and optimal control strategies. These digital twins will help guide building operators and heat providers and enable optimal control of heating substations located in basements without directly interfering with residents. This non-intrusive aspect significantly enhances the feasibility of our approach.
PhD Opportunity
We are offering a unique PhD opportunity as part of an IFD-funded Grand Solutions initiative. Heating data will be securely piped into a platform for research and development of open-source digital twins. The PhD project will act as the cohesive force bringing together various project elements, offering a highly collaborative and visible role.
Responsibilities and Qualifications
At the project’s commencement, you will be expected to replicate existing methods for constructing digital twins to reduce supply and return temperatures in several well-instrumented buildings. Based on initial findings, your task will be to enhance, test, scale, and refine these methods in additional buildings while integrating intelligence, like streamlined digital twins, scalable insights, and visualizations.
The ideal candidate must have:
- A comprehensive understanding of hydronic heating systems in residences and their interaction with district heating networks.
- Practical experience in the construction sector, especially with hydronic heating systems.
- Proven experience using Modelica for thermal modelling.
- Proven experience combing measurements with models of hydronic heating systems to analyze and improve performance.
- Proven experience using dynamic building simulation tools for evaluation and optimization of energy efficiency and IEQ.
- And in-depth theoretical and practical understanding of parameters influencing indoor climate, concerning both comfort and health.
- A background in engineering with a particular focus on energy efficiency and building services.
Candidates must exhibit ambition, adaptability, organization, creativity, and a high level of competency in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by the team of supervisors from the Section for Energy & Services at the Department of Civil & Mechanical Engineering at DTU. Associate Professor Kevin Michael Smith will be the main supervisor, while Associate Professors Christian Anker Hviid and Michele Tunzi will be co-supervisors.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Starting date is 1 May 2024 or soonest possible after. The position is a full-time position.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Kevin Michael Smith, kevs@dtu.dk.
You can read more about Department of Civil & Mechanical Engineering at https://construct.dtu.dk/.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 4 March 2024 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
You may apply prior to obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.
Deadline: 2024-03-04 at 23:59
Unit: dtu
Read the job description at the university homepage or apply.