PhD Scholarship in Energy Management of Energy Flexibility Assets in Sports Facilities

In collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Technical University of Denmark (DTU) offers a new PhD position, “Energy flexibility assets in sports facilities: Opportunities and Challenges”. The position offers an honorable opportunity for getting a dual PhD degree from both DTU as the main host and NTNU as alliance partner no. 1. Within this position, you also have a great opportunity to work with the Nordic sports facility industry through the collaboration with the Centre for Sports Facilities and Technology (SIAT), as our alliance partner no. 2. 

Public swimming pool facilities are a building category recognized for their high energy use. Recent research has proven that optimal energy management and control of the indoor climate in swimming facilities requires an intelligent approach to provide satisfactory indoor air quality and required indoor thermal conditions. From the perspective of energy use and energy flexibility in this building category, several distinct properties can be utilized, e.g., the considerable thermal mass of the swimming pool, the large amount of waste heat, the distinct ventilation system, where the design and operation of the air handling and distribution are highly important. However, this system is often characterized by a lack of properties for optimal indoor climate and energy use, even in newly commissioned buildings. 

The project aims to develop an AI-based energy management system that can optimally utilize the swimming pools as an energy flexibility asset, considering the indoor climate requirements of the pools at different seasons. Supportive models must be considered, e.g., models that include the technical system in swimming facilities. The task shall be carried out in collaboration with key industrial partners. The candidate will access SIAT’s network of swimming facilities where measurements and data from the operation of swimming facilities are stored in the building management system. The candidate will also have access to field-specific software like IDA ICE incl. pool extension. 

Responsibilities and qualifications

The required selection criteria include: 

• Strong knowledge of building physics and HVAC system
• Competence in developing AI-based algorithms
• Programming knowledge (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB)
• Experience in built environment monitoring
• Fluent English skills, both written and spoken. Ability to publish the research results in high-reputation international journals

Personal characteristics

• Confidence in working independently and in teams
• Ability and willingness to work in inter- and transdisciplinary teams
• 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. 

Salary and appointment terms

The starting date is 15 September 2024. 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. 

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Rongling Li, DTU Construct. 

You can read more about Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at https://construct.dtu.dk 

Application procedure

To apply, please read the full job advertisement by clicking the 'Apply' button

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