Controlling Particles, VOC and their Oxidation: Smart Demand Controlled Ventilation for Indoor Environmental Quality and Energy Efficiency

This PhD project is dedicated to advancing smart demand controlled ventilation systems in response to advances in understanding of indoor air chemistry and the transformative potential of smart technologies in building ventilation. Ventilation and air quality play a crucial role in health, comfort, and productivity in buildings, consuming a substantial portion of global energy. A growing body of knowledge shows that bad indoor air has many components including VOC, VOC oxidation products, particulate matter, ozone and NO2. Optimal control is not achieved by current systems sensing only temperature, humidity and sometimes CO2. Through the integration of sensor networks, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, the project aims to optimise ventilation strategies, ensuring a sufficient fresh air supply while minimising energy consumption. The research contributes significantly to sustainable building practices, addressing the delicate balance between energy efficiency and occupant well-being. The outcomes have broad implications for smart building design, energy conservation, and the overall advancement of intelligent environmental control systems. Critical to this project are recent advances in the understanding impact of particle formation from the oxidation of bioemissions from humans on indoor air quality.

Despite the availability of air quality sensors and control systems, a majority of UK buildings rely on outdated infrastructure. This project seeks to identify the best path for improving indoor air quality and reducing energy use, considering existing constraints such as budget limitations, building codes, and recommendations.

Objectives:

Literature Review: Conduct a thorough literature review to inform the development of the indoor air quality and energy consumption model. 0-4 months

Model Development: Develop a model of indoor air quality and energy consumption, incorporating parameters related to comfort (temperature and humidity), health (PM, VOC, NOx, O3, CO2), and energy use. This model will serve as a foundation for assessing and optimizing SDCV system performance. 0-6 months

Experimental Implementation: Construct and deploy an SDCV system within a controlled environment at the Guildford Living Lab facilities at the University of Surrey. The system will integrate smart sensors (OPS, OPC, EC, NDIR..), data analytics, Building Management System (BMS) connectivity, and Adaptive Ventilation Control (AVC). Continuous monitoring of parameters including occupancy, mechanical ventilation, air purification, and perceived air quality will be conducted. 6-18 months

Performance Optimization: Analyze the data collected during the experimental phase to derive optimal SDCV system performance. Identify specific conditions and scenarios where the system demonstrates maximum effectiveness in improving IEQ and minimizing energy consumption, achieving a balance between occupant comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Explore the potential of hybrid ventilation strategies in enhancing overall performance. We will use the Envilution Chamber facility at the University of Guildford and include portable air purifiers and sensors from Rensair and other manufacturers. 12-26 months

Recommendations and Best Practices: Formulate recommendations and best practices based on insights gained from the experimental and analytical phases. Address key considerations for real-world applications, including cost-effectiveness, scalability, and ease of integration. This includes considerations for system scalability, economic viability, and practical implementation in diverse building scenarios. We will take advantage of the extensive data collected through e.g. EPSRC COTRACE in school buildings and RealAir in the Zero building. 26-34 months.

This PhD studentship is part of the EPSRC CDT in Aerosol Science. After a period of intensive training hosted by the CDT hub at the University of Bristol during year 1, you will have the opportunity to build networks across the 8 universities, undertaking a short project at either your home institution or another partnering institution. These training elements will equip you for your PhD research in years 2-4. The PhD research project “Controlling Particles, VOC and their Oxidation: Smart Demand Controlled Ventilation for Indoor Environmental Quality and Energy Efficiency” in year to 4 is based at the University of Surrey.

About the Centre for Doctoral training in Aerosol Science

Aerosol science is crucial to disciplines as broad ranging as transmission of disease, drug delivery to the lungs, climate change, energy and combustion science, novel materials, and consumer and agricultural products.

An aerosol is any collection of particles dispersed in a gas. The CDT brings together a multi-disciplinary team of 80 post-graduate students and academics from 8 UK universities spanning the physical, environmental and health sciences, and engineering. Our aim is to tackle the global challenges in which aerosol science is key.

Further details are available from our website: https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/

Doctoral Training in Aerosol Science

During your doctorate, you will learn to research in diverse multidisciplinary teams, gain an advanced understanding of the core physical science of aerosols, and collaborate with industrial and public sector partners, equipping you to undertake ground-breaking research in aerosol science.

During the first 7 months of your PhD, you will join the CDT cohort based at the University of Bristol. Core training in aerosol science, research methods, professionalism and translation will be delivered by Team Based Learning. You will then undertake a short research project at your home or partner institution before starting your PhD research. You will gain experience outside academia in a placement with an industrial/public sector partner in Year 2 or 3.

More Information and How to Apply

Candidates who aspire to work in a multidisciplinary field, and hold or will achieve a minimum of an upper second-class undergraduate degree in any of these areas are encouraged to apply: chemistry, physics, biological sciences, life and medical sciences, mathematics and computer science, chemical and mechanical engineering, pharmaceutical and environmental sciences.

Visit our website: https://www.aerosol-cdt.ac.uk/           

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to furthering issues of equality, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the benefits of recruiting a diverse group of students to the Aerosol CDT and strive to avoid any conscious or unconscious bias in our recruitment. The needs of individuals will be accommodated during the recruitment process and while studying with the CDT. Further information on our commitment to equality and diversity can be found on our website.