research studentships

[Victor Hanby <V.I.Hanby@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

We have the following research studentships available at Loughborough
University (UK). I would be grateful if you could draw them to the
attention of possible candidates.

Vic Hanby
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LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND BUILDING ENGINEERING

Research Studentships in Building HVAC Systems Simulation and Optimization

The Building Services Research Group has three three-year PhD studentships 
available from 1st October 1999.

1. Automatic Generation of HVAC Systems Configuration

This project is concerned with the development of techniques for the 
automatic production of functional configurations of building HVAC 
(heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) plant. The planned approach
is to use genetic algorithms in conjunction with fuzzy rule-based methods 
to generate functionally viable system configurations.

2. Optimization of HVAC System Design and Performance

This research involves the combination of modular system simulation with
optimization techniques (including genetic algorithms) to produce optimum 
system performance as defined by a range of objective functions such as 
energy consumption, capital or life-cycle cost.

The above studentships are funded from a project sponsored by the American 
Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers: this 
covers tuition fees at either Home/EEC or Overseas student rates, together 
with a subsistence allowance of GBP 6,620 p.a.

3. Fault Detection/Diagnosis in HVAC Plant

This work will use an existing numerical model of a large (3MW) climatic 
control plant for an automobile testing wind tunnel as a basis for 
developing automatic fault detection techniques and condition-based 
maintenance.

The project involves close liaison with the Motor Industry Research 
Association at Nuneaton, UK. Support covers tuition fees at Home/EEC student
rate plus subsistence of GBP 6,620 p.a. 

The successful candidates will join a group of five staff with an 
established track record in simulation and optimization research, in a 
Department rated 5 in the 1996 RAE. 

Candidates for all positions should have a good first degree in a relevant 
science or engineering discipline, together with some experience of 
programming in a high level language. Familiarity with building HVAC systems 
would be an advantage.

Application forms and further details are available from 

Mrs H M S Weaver
Secretary to the Head of Department
Department of Civil and Building Engineering
Loughborough University
Loughborough
Leics LE11 3TU  UK
Tel +44 (0)1509 223771
H.M.Weaver@Lboro.ac.uk

Informal enquiries should be addressed to

Professor V I Hanby  +44 (0)1509 222605  V.I.Hanby@Lboro.ac.uk
Dr J A Wright        +44 (0)1509 222621  J.A.Wright@Lboro.ac.uk