A funded Ph.D. opportunity is available under the James-Watt scholarship program at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK, to develop data-driven and data science methods for the decarbonisation of energy and water systems.
It is well known that the Built Environment contributes around 40% of all carbon emissions globally, and that, of this, energy and water consumption make up a significant proportion. Many opportunities therefore exist to help rectify this position and to create meaningful outcomes to support decarbonisation of the construction sector.
This research focuses on the underlying physics of heat dissipation and water flow in buildings, and on the analysis of related demand patterns and associated data using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques. Here, statistical and deep learning methods will be used to identify the optimum method to facilitate analysis so as to allow improved decision-making and define enhanced pathways to Net Zero energy and water usage within buildings. As well as developing and assessing appropriate techniques, the work will draw comparisons with engineering and simulation-based predictions of water and energy consumption. The focus of the research will be on consumption at the building scale, but they envisage a future interface with urban scale demand models.
Established in 1966, Heriot-Watt University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the small city of Edinburgh (population range of 250,000-499,999 inhabitants), Scotland. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Dubai. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Privy Council, Heriot-Watt University is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 10,000-14,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. Heriot-Watt University offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.