Heat networks that support the national grid

About the Project

Heating accounts for about 37% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the UK (DESNZ 2024). Decarbonisation of heat is, therefore, critical to meeting national net zero carbon targets. Heat networks are centralised heating systems that distribute the centrally produced heat through pipes to multiple end users of heat. These networks are considered to provide advantages over individual property/site heating through the aggregation of heat demand, potential to generate heat from low emission sustainable and renewable sources, and reduced costs for those that have access to the system. However, heat losses from the network, challenges associated with the estimation of the heating demand, and limitation of the national grid to provide the required electricity for heat generation are some of the technical challenges associated with the uptake of heat networks.

This project aims to explore how the heat network can also act as a heat storage to address some of these technical challenges; particularly in relation to supporting electricity network management issues under scenarios of high electrification of heat generation. Understanding the extent to which the heat network can act as storage of heat is considered critical to the support of electricity network management as the heat network can be integrated into demand-side management approaches such as peak shaving, demand-load intermittency, and carbon management. We are therefore looking for a student with interest in energy systems modelling with a strong numerical and computational modelling background in support of critical data analysis, model development and simulation.

References:

DESNZ (2024). UK heat networks: market overview. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. London. Accessed 19 May 2024.

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 Global Academy which can help with this.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a good Bachelor's degree (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 and being familiar with 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 our online application system.

Further information:

Construction Management and Engineering PhD webpage

Enquiries:

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

Funding Notes

We welcome applications from self-funded students worldwide for this project.

If you are applying to an international funding scheme, we encourage you to get in contact as we may be able to support you in your application.