We are currently looking for two highly motivated researchers for post-doctoral research positions in the INTEGRATE project (Integrating seasonal Thermal storage with multiple energy sources to decarbonise Thermal Energy). The roles are two of four RA positions in the EPSRC funded INTEGRATE project which is a collaboration between the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Hull. The successful candidates will work alongside a multi-disciplinary team to combine efforts and provide solutions towards the decarbonisation of heating and cooling. The project is supported by nine industrial partners, which cover every aspect of the proposed work, and two leading, international research institutions which are at the forefront of renewable heating research.
The researcher for the first position will investigate the policy, regulatory and commercial aspects of seasonal thermal energy storage (STES) systems in the UK. Drawing on case study evidence and an analysis of the UK energy market context, you will identify appropriate regulatory and market arrangements for different seasonal storage options and STES in particular. You will collaborate with engineering colleagues on the INTEGRATE project to identify key technological and market trends in relation to seasonal energy storage and evaluate the implications for UK and Scottish energy policy. You will also investigate the role of STES in key energy system modelling and scenarios studies related to the UK’s low carbon heat transition. This position is in the School of Social and Political Science and is supervised by Ronan Bolton and Mark Winskel.
The researcher for the second position will develop and implement a multi-vector energy system model for the design of Smart Thermal Grids (STG) with Seasonal Thermal Energy Storage (STES) as part of the wider energy system. Building on available electricity dispatch and network models, and thermal demand and distribution models you will develop a multi-vector, multiple stakeholder simulation and optimisation model for the integrated design of STG with STES that considers the interplay and coordination between energy supply and demand, seasonal thermal storage characteristics, and regulation and market frameworks. You will collaborate with engineering and social science colleagues on the EPSRC funded INTEGRATE project to combine the results from the individual work packages to develop representative case studies and guidelines for urban, suburban and campus thermal energy systems based around the smart integration of STES systems. This position is in the School of Engineering and is supervised by Daniel Friedrich and Gareth Harrison.
We will also shortly advertise for a PhD position in Machine learning methods to manage the integration of heating systems into the wider energy system.
Links:
https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=052507
https://www.vacancies.ed.ac.uk/pls/corehrrecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=052516
