Numerical and experimental research on a flexible heat pump system

About the Project

In the UK, heat constitutes about half of energy consumption. The government plans to install 19 million heat pumps in homes over the coming decades to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, the current adoption rate of heat pumps in the UK is low.

Challenges persist for heat pump technologies, particularly in the UK. Most of UK homes are connected to the gas grid, relying on gas boilers as the primary heating method. This poses a challenge as most available heat pumps operate at temperatures lower than what is typically required by the existing high-temperature heat emitters, necessitating costly retrofitting. Addressing these challenges requires innovations to enhance the cost-effectiveness of heat pump products, especially those designed for high temperatures.

The newly developed flexible heat pump technology integrates a heat storage into a conventional vapour compression heat pump cycle to recover, store and reuse the waste heat generated by the heat pump operation. As a result, it can achieve energy efficiency than conventional heat pumps.

In this PhD project, the student will have the opportunity to work on the modelling and experimental research on the flexible heat pump technology. The student will also benefit from close collaboration with industrial partners.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form to apply for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project.

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number ENGMAE002 when applying. An interview will be arranged to select the most suitable applicant.

Funding Notes

This University funded Studentship will cover full tuition fees (for 2025-26 this is £5,006 pa.) and pay a maintenance grant for 3.0 years, at the UKRI standard rates (for 2025-26 this is £20,780 pa.) The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a Research Training Support Grant to fund consumables, conference attendance, etc.

This studentship is available to any prospective student wishing to apply including both home and international students. While the university’s funding will not cover international fees. International applicants are expected to meet the fee difference.