Next-Generation Cooling Systems: Experimental Study and Performance Assessment (RDF26/EE/MCE/SHAHZAD)

The rapid rise in global temperatures, driven by climate change, has led to an urgent need for sustainable and energy-efficient cooling solutions. Cooling is no longer a luxury but a critical necessity in many regions, particularly in developing countries where heatwaves are increasingly severe and prolonged. Conventional mechanical vapor compression (MVC) systems dominate the market, but their energy-intensive operation and reliance on refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) contribute significantly to climate change. These systems exacerbate environmental challenges while placing a heavy burden on already strained energy grids, especially in regions like South Asia.

In countries where temperatures frequently exceed 40°C during the summer, the lack of affordable, efficient cooling technologies results in widespread socio-economic repercussions. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat leads to severe health crises, including heatstroke, dehydration, and increased mortality rates. Moreover, the productivity of outdoor and industrial workers diminishes drastically, causing substantial economic losses. According to recent reports, heatwaves in developing countries have resulted in the loss of billions of labour hours, severely impacting the national economy. Furthermore, the increased energy demand for cooling systems during peak summer months overwhelms the electricity infrastructure, leading to frequent power outages and blackouts.

This project aims to address these challenges by developing next-generation cooling systems that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. By leveraging indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) technologies and integrating smart control frameworks, this research seeks to revolutionize cooling solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The proposed system will provide sustainable alternatives to traditional MVCs, significantly reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions while ensuring accessibility and affordability for vulnerable populations.

Aims and Objectives

The overarching aim of this project is to design, develop, and evaluate novel cooling systems that address the limitations of existing technologies while ensuring sustainability and affordability. Specific objectives include:

1.    System Design and Simulation: Develop detailed simulation models for novel indirect evaporative cooling systems (NIEC) and hybrid NIEC-MVC prototypes. Conduct performance evaluations under varying environmental and operational conditions.

2.    Prototype Development and Optimization: Fabricate and test 1Rton NIEC and hybrid NIEC+MVC prototypes to validate the design. Optimize system design using genetic algorithms, targeting a 50% reduction in capital costs and 65% lower energy consumption.

3.    Artificial Intelligence Integration: Develop and implement an AI framework for efficient operation and real-time optimization of NIEC and hybrid systems. Enable smart integration with MVC units to improve performance across diverse climates.

4.    Impact Assessment: Conduct life cycle cost analyses to evaluate economic feasibility. Assess social, economic, and environmental impacts, including reductions in carbon emissions.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with the Ayrton Challenge Fund team, supported by UKRI, to develop a super-efficient cooling solution. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The project will contribute to the Global Cooling Pledge, a COP28 initiative to promote super-efficient, affordable air conditioning technologies, especially in developing countries. By addressing the critical challenges of rising global temperatures, energy inequality, and environmental sustainability, this project offers transformative potential for climate change mitigation and global well-being. The research outcomes will provide practical, scalable solutions to meet the cooling demands of future generations.

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Dr Muhammad Wakil Shahzad. For informal academic queries, contact muhammad.w.shahzad@northumbria.ac.uk . For enquiries relating to eligibility or application process, email fc.pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk

Eligibility Requirements:

•       Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.

•       Appropriate IELTS score, if required.

•       Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

•       Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

•       Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or

•       have settled status, or

•       have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or

•       have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student and not eligible to apply for this studentship. Applicants will need to be fully enrolled in the UK before stipend payments can commence.

Apply now at https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/  

In your application, include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and also the advert reference (e.g. RDF26/…).

Application Deadline: 27 March 2025

Start date of course: As soon as possible, discuss start date with supervisor (must be 1st of a month)

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.