The future supply of heating and cooling to the built environment will rely on renewable sources such as geothermal sources, aquathermia, data centres or other medium temperature heat sources in order to significantly reduce the CO2 emission of the built environment. These sources are limited in temperature and capacity compared to traditional gas-fired boilers. Therefore, the demand-supply matching requires a new generation of advanced control strategies that can be used by practitioners both in the design phase of future-proof heating/cooling systems, as well as in the operational phase of these systems.

In this exciting project, we will investigate and develop the next generation control strategies that can meet the (sometimes conflicting) goals of the district heating/cooling stakeholders. Key requirements of the next generation control strategies include scalability to practical network size, ability to account for certain physical parameters like the thermal inertia of the buildings and a proper balance between centralised and distributed control. Both agent-based and model-predictive control strategies have interesting properties, but also limitations. The successful PhD candidate will get a unique opportunity to develop the cutting edge of control systems for future-proof and sustainable  district heating/cooling networks.

This PhD project is co-funded by the Ministery of Economic Affairs and Climate and a large group of stakeholders that collaborate in the R&D programme WarmingUP. This collaboration ensures short communication lines with applied R&D institutes Deltares and TNO and with district heating companies such that our scientific progress will have a "short time to market".

For more information on WarmingUP see: WarmingUP news item

We are looking for an excellent PhD candidate with a strong background in systems and control, preferably with application to large-scale systems or networks. As a PhD candidate you are expected to develop a science-based approach in close collaboration with experienced staff from P&E and DCSC.  You will identify relevant sub questions and supervise MSc students. You will communicate intermediate results to a group of stakeholders and the international scientific community.

To apply, you should have the following qualifications:
• MSc in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or a related area, with a strong background in Systems and Control.
• Experience in the field of network analysis, model reduction uncertainty analysis or building physics.
• Intrinsic motivation for research.
• Ease with teamwork in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in English and excellent communication skills.

Proficiency in Dutch is recommended.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes to demonstrable economic and social benefits.

This PhD project will benefit from the scientific expertise from two departments: Process & Energy and Delft Centre for Systems & Control (DCSC). Research in the Process and Energy Department focusses on energy and process technology in a mechanical engineering context. Our objective is to develop processes to support the transition to renewable energy sources, by making existing processes more efficient and by developing novel green technologies. Research activities within the department cover the range from full system scale down to the molecular scale. Our laboratories have several experimental facilities that are unique in the world. DCSC has been established in 2003 and combines the systems and control knowledge from Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics and Mechanical Engineering. DCSC aims for scientific excellence in signal analysis, data-driven control, network control and control of hybrid, non-linear large-scale systems.

For more information see: Process & Energy, Delft Centre for System & Control (DCSC)