Decarbonisation of heating and cooling systems for net zero carbon future

About the Project

Decarbonisation of heating and cooling in buildings can be achieved through switching fuels and transferring the demand from Natural Gas to low-carbon electricity. It is generally agreed that heat pump and thermal storage technologies can make a significant contribution to this decarbonisation process. However, switching fuels will put additional pressure on the electricity network and will bring challenges in demand-side management, and will increase the need for flexibility in energy demand. This research will first explore how the performance gap between the theoretical and actual performance of heating and cooling systems can be reduced. In addition, the research will assess the potential of the technology to contribute to demand-side management through increasing demand flexibility. This study will explore how flexibility (in time of use) can be provided for the electricity demand associated with heating and cooling. This will be achieved through the integration of heat pump systems and advanced heat storage technologies including hot water, Phase Change Materials (PCM), and the thermal mass of buildings together with a series of control mechanisms for energy-efficient operation of heating and cooling systems. The main research question is to what extent the integration of heat pump and thermal storage technologies together with the intermittent operation of heating systems can contribute to the decarbonisation of heating and cooling processes, shifting the electricity demand and providing flexibility to the demand in peak load while addressing the required thermal comfort.

University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, is ranked at 172 globally, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. 98% of research at the University is of international standing (REF 2021, combining the University’s world leading, internationally excellent and internationally recognised submissions). The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful, award-winning parkland, less than a 30-minute train ride to London Paddington and is approximately 30 miles from London Heathrow airport.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision and training in a number of different forms. We also provide dedicated training in important transferable skills that will support your career aspirations. If you need to develop your academic English skills before you start your studies, then the University has an excellent International Study and Language Institute which can help with this.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a minimum of a UK Upper Second 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) and preferably a Master’s degree in Engineering / Computing/ applied mathematics or a relevant discipline. Applicants will be judged on their academic experience, their understanding of the proposed research topic and their references. Experience in numerical modelling and knowledge of building services are essential. In addition, skills in programming preferably in Matlab and being familiar with Building Performance Simulation tools such as EnergyPlus and TRNSYS are desirable.
• International applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional English courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

*The University of Reading is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and non-discriminatory treatment for all members of its community.*

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering via ouronline application system.

Further information:

Construction Management and Engineering PhD webpage

Enquiries:

Dr Mehdi Shahrestani e-mail : m.shahrestani@reading.ac.uk