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[June 2009]
EPSRC studentship announcement: Integration of building physics and remote sensing technology for large-scale energy performance assessment.
Application closing date: 30th June 2009
Applications are invited for a PhD Studentship on developing an integrated tool/technique for assessing energy performance of large-scale building developments, using a combination of building physics (energy modelling) and remote sensing technology (satellite and/or aerial data).
Limit of tenure: 3 years.
Understanding the energy performance of large-scale developments, such as cities, is crucial to the development of planning, energy and climate change policies at strategic levels. However, obtaining such a big picture is not always possible or easy, for various reasons. Among other things, in many places information on building stocks is not readily available. Furthermore, many developments are simply too large for energy analysis to be performed effectively using existing tools/techniques designed for individual buildings. However, the use of remotely sensed data (satellite and/or aerial) combined with appropriate ground verification presents an opportunity to acquire relatively quickly key information about the make-up of large-scale developments, such as the shapes, sizes, orientation and types of structures and their materials, which are central to large-scale energy analysis.
It is conceivable that if appropriate remote sensing techniques can be identified, developed and integrated with an appropriate energy model, the result will enable planners and decision-makers to assess the energy performance of large-scale developments more conveniently and effectively, thereby facilitating the identification of key areas for energy reduction and timely development of sustainable planning strategies.
The PhD student will work closely with Dr Torwong Chenvidyakarn, architect and building physicist, and Dr Keiko Saito, remote sensing scientist, both from the Department of Architecture. The PhD candidate will be supervised by Dr Chenvidyakarn, and is expected to work towards the following objectives:
1. To develop an appropriate technique for collecting and analysing satellite and aerial data and an appropriate technique for ground verification for large-scale energy analysis.
2. To develop an appropriate building physics/mathematical model for large-scale energy analysis. This task may also involve laboratory experimentation and computer simulation.
3. To integrate the appropriate remote sensing technique (1) and the appropriate building physics model (2) to produce a generic tool for non-building experts (e.g. planners) to aid their decision-making at strategic levels.
Feasibility study will also need to be carried out for all the above objectives.
Funding for the Studentship will be available for three years (starting date 1 October 2009 or as soon as possible afterwards), and applications are welcome from UK and EU candidates. However, note that only a successful UK Home student and a successful EU student who has been residing in the UK for more than three years will be eligible for the full award, which covers both fees and maintenance up to a total amount of 70,600. A successful EU student who has been residing in the UK for less than three years will be eligible for the fees-only award, in which case s/he must meet the maintenance cost of around 10,000 per annum him/herself.
Applications are welcome from candidates with a good undergraduate degree (high 2.1 or first class) in relevant subjects, such as engineering, applied mathematics, physics, architectural science/engineering and architecture. A background in building physics and energy/building performance modelling is highly desirable. Experience in the field of remote sensing would be valuable.
Further information can be obtained from Dr Torwong Chenvidyakarn or Dr Keiko Saito on +44(0)1223-760120 or ks269@cam.ac.uk.
Applications, consisting of a covering letter, a CV, the names and contacts of three referees, detailed transcripts of degrees awarded, a copy of relevant publications and a completed University application form (Parts I and III ONLY) should be submitted to Mrs Samantha Archetti, Department of Architecture, 1 - 5 Scroope Terrace, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PX, (Email: sma52@cam.ac.uk). The application form can be obtained from Mrs Archetti or downloaded directly from http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/offices/personnel/forms/pd18/pd18.doc. It is expected that interviews of short-listed candidates will be held in the week beginning 5th July 2009.
Quote Reference: GC05193, Closing Date: 30 June 2009
Interview Date(s): w/c 5th July 2009
The University values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity.
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DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
MARTIN CENTRE
