The position

The School of Civil and Building Engineering at Loughborough University invites applications for a PhD studentship from students interested in natural ventilation of Passivhaus homes. Due to the insulation and airtightness of Passivhaus homes, occupants are expected to open windows for 5 to 10 minutes every three hours (including at night). Current use of natural ventilation in Passivhaus homes is therefore challenged by dependency on traditional windows and by regular human interaction. This research will investigate the use of alternative natural ventilation systems for Passivhaus homes in the UK. It will explore the segregation of air inlets and outlets using same side dual opening systems and inlet and stack systems. The research will utilise analytic modelling to size ventilation openings as well as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and dynamic thermal modelling (DTM) to predict the performances of these systems. Annual data (airflow, CO₂ and thermal comfort) collected from an existing Passivhaus home will be used to set up a validated model of the same building, upon which impact of changes will be evaluated.

As part of a large, growing and supportive research community within the School, the successful candidate will benefit from being a member of the University’s Graduate School and their extensive and targeted skills training for research students. The successful candidate will be joining a lively community of research students and staff, where doctoral students are given great academic and administrative support and are an integral part of the School’s research culture.

Loughborough University

Voted Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’ 2008-2009, winner of The Times Higher ‘Best Student Experience’ poll for five years running (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010) and with over 3,200 staff and in excess of 16,000 students, Loughborough University is one of the top 20 Universities in the UK. The University has an impressive and pleasant campus in the heart of the East Midlands – the largest single site campus in the UK. Its world-class sports and educational facilities, combined with its lively, diverse student community, make it a fantastic place to study, socialise and play.

Funding and eligibility

The studentship is open to graduates from architecture, civil/building engineering or those with a relevant background provided that they are articulate, well qualified and highly motivated. The minimum entry qualification is a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent. A lower qualification is acceptable if supplemented with an appropriate postgraduate (MSc) qualification and relevant experience.

The studentship is for 3 years and covers fees and a tax-exempt stipend of £13,726 for the 2013/2014 academic year with cost of living adjustments in years 2 and 3. Tuition fees will be paid at the UK/EU rate.

Studentships can start on the 1^st April, 1^st July or 1^st October 2013.

Additional Information

Applications can be made on-line by clicking the Apply link below. All applicants are encouraged to make contact with the supervisor to discuss their interest in the subject area.

For an informal discussion on the subject area, please contact the supervisor, Zulfikar Adamu, on 01509 223 526 or z.a.adamu@lboro.ac.uk.

For enquiries about the application process, please contact Ms Helen Newbold, h.newbold@lboro.ac.uk.

Closing date for applications: 30th April 2013 or until the post is filled.