项目介绍

2024年5月30日

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.

Approval and Enrolment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU’s rules for the PhD education. 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Rongling Li (DTU Construct) and Professor Mohamed Hamdy (NTNU). 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
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. The starting date is 15 September 2024.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Rongling Li at liron@dtu.dk. 

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

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 July 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply now”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Contact information of two referees
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion, or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Civil and Mechanical Engineering develops and utilizes science and technical knowledge for the benefit of society and sustainable development. We undertake research, education, innovation, and scientific advice of the highest quality within building design and processes, building construction and safety, building energy and installation, solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, materials technology, manufacturing engineering, engineering design and thermal energy systems. 

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.