Advanced On-board Control for Heat Pumps (PhD Position)

The PhD position titled 'Advanced On-board Control for Heat Pumps' at KU Leuven offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the decarbonization of energy-intensive industries in Europe. Industry accounts for a significant portion of EU emissions, with process heating representing the majority of industrial energy use. The ZEnITh (Zero Emissions Industrial Technologies) project, in which this PhD is embedded, aims to develop innovative solutions by combining High Temperature Heat Pumps (HTHP), Latent Thermal Energy Storages (LTESs), and AI-based Industrial Energy Management Systems (EMS). The research will be conducted within the Flexible Heat Pumps and Cooling Systems (FHP&Cool) group, part of the Mechanical Engineering Department at KU Leuven, located in Geel and linked to Energyville. The group has extensive expertise in heat pump technology, system modelling, and control. The PhD project focuses on the predictive on-board control of a vapour compression heat pump developed for the ZEnITh project. Key objectives include developing an accurate dynamic model of the heat pump for control purposes, implementing a control framework to optimize load variation, and integrating multiple control layers to support industrial process decarbonization. Dynamic modelling will utilize open source tools such as Python and Modelica, and optimization frameworks will be created to support control implementation. The research is highly interdisciplinary, bridging mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, and environmental science, and will contribute to sustainable heat supply strategies for industry. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, energy engineering, or a related field. Proficiency in English is required, with accepted tests including TOEFL, IELTS, and Cambridge C1/C2 certificates. Experience with programming languages (Python, Matlab, Modelica) is beneficial. Candidates should be creative, collaborative, and able to take initiative in a multidisciplinary environment. The position offers a 4-year PhD contract with scholarship at KU Leuven, starting after September 1st, 2026 (date to be agreed). The successful candidate will earn a KU Leuven PhD degree, gaining skills in modelling, design, and control of heating systems for industrial decarbonization. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a supportive environment for all researchers. For more information, contact Prof. dr. Alessia Arteconi at [email protected]. Application details and requirements can be found at the KU Leuven jobsite and PhD information pages. The application deadline is May 31, 2026.