Position Details

School of Chemical Engineering 

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £34,980 to £44,263 with potential progression once in post to £46,974

Grade 7 

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2026 

Closing date: 5th May 2024

Background

The role is an opportunity to join one major research team at the School of Chemical Engineering leading the development zero-carbon energy systems in the UK and internationally. The research team is recruiting a highly motivated researcher in techno-economic modelling, optimization, and integration of energy storage into multi-energy systems. 

The position is part of national/international projects (EPSRC and Horizon Europe) aimed at ‘transforming industrial clusters and energy districts into multi-energy systems integrating renewable energy sources, energy networks, and zero-carbon technologies’. Exemplar case of such multi-energy system is our unique real-life Birmingham Tyseley Energy Park 

The overarching goal is, with the support of the simulation and optimization methods, is to develop zero-carbon multi-energy systems integrated with:  i) power-to-X solutions (e.g. Heat pumps, power to H2),  i) thermal energy storage (TES) technologies, iii) local energy networks (e.g. local grid, district heating network). The simulations results will support the development of real-life local energy systems in the UK and Europe. 

Examples of our world-leading energy systems modelling activities can be found here: 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352152X23001317

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019689042100337X

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261919317507

This is an exciting opportunity for the successful candidate to develop and apply simulation and optimization models to investigate how zero-carbon technologies jointly with energy storage (e.g. Heat pumps, PV, Solar thermal collectors, Power-to-X, etc) can enable decarbonization of multi-energy systems comprising industrial clusters and districts. In particular, the researcher will:

• Develop of models, based on existing and new simulation environments, for simulation of multi-energy systems with zero-carbon technologies and energy storage 
• Apply a range of techniques such as Mixed-integer linear programming (MILP), reduced physical-based models, and/or techno-economic optimization methods 
• Simulate and optimize the integration of   zero-carbon technologies and TES with the surrounding local energy system
• Carry out techno-economic optimization evaluating how to optimally operate assets and TES in the local multi-energy system toward net-zero operation 
• Validate the results for real cases of multi-energy systems, both in the UK (Birmingham) and in other countries (Europe)

The activity will ultimately lead to new disruptive understanding, use and operation of energy storage, zero-carbon technologies toward net-zero multi-energy systems. 

Role Summary

We are recruiting a highly motivate researcher to join the teams at the University of Birmingham and projects funded by EPSRC and Horizon Europe (EPSRC Supergen Energy Networks Hub; THUMBS UP). The researcher will join the  School of Chemical Engineering, the Birmingham Energy Institute, and Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage.

Deep emission reduction is ubiquitously associated with the need of development and adoption of efficient zero-carbon energy technologies and thermal energy storage, particularly in local multi-energy systems (industrial clusters and energy districts). This is exemplified by national and international strategies toward decarbonization. 

The researcher is expected to contribute to develop and develop of models, based on existing and new simulation environments, for simulation and tecno-economic optimization of multi-energy systems with zero-carbon technologies (Heat pumps, PV, Power-to-X) and energy storage. 

The post holder will work closely in collaboration with academics at the University of Birmingham, project partners and industrial partners, and mainly contribute to the development, application, testing and validation of models. The modelling results will also to contribute to the development and optimization of real-life multi-energy systems in the UK and overseas. 

The research and development carried out by the researcher will ultimately results in new scientific knowledge across relevant communities, know-how and intellectual property, toward net-zero

Main Duties

• Develop of models, based on existing and new simulation environments, for simulation of multi-energy systems with other zero-carbon technologies as well as thermal energy storage
• Implement and test the models in real environments
• Perform robust techno-economic analysis and optimization of multi-energy systems 
• Collect, analyse and study the impact of zero-carbon technologies and energy storage on energy demand and energy generation of multi-energy systems ( industrial clusters, energy districts, etc) 
• Present research outputs, for example at conferences, workshops, and project review meetings
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in the an area of research within energy systems, or energy processes & technologies, or energy storage and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications (in relevant field of science or engineering, for example: energy engineering, mechanical/chemical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science or discipline closely related to the main duties)
• A proven track record in energy systems modelling and techno-economic analysis of energy systems and technologies
• A proven track record and demonstrable proficiency in high-level programming for simulations and optimization of energy systems (e.g. Python, Matlab, Modelica, Julia, EES Engineering Equation Solver, or other similar)
• Understanding and experience with techno-economic optimization techniques (e.g. mixed integer linear programming, multi-objective optimization, stochastic optimization, or other similar)
• Track record of academic publications, proven delivery of project outcomes and papers that are recognised within the field
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in a diverse, international and cross disciplinary research and development environment
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Associate Prof Adriano Sciacovelli, a.sciacovelli@bham.ac.uk  

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.