This doctoral research project at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University investigates the emerging scientific issue of the 'clustered heat exhaust effect' resulting from large-scale deployment of photovoltaic (PV) systems in urban environments. PV panels release a significant portion of unconverted solar energy as waste heat during power generation. When PV systems are densely distributed, their decentralised heat exhaust may interact synergistically with atmospheric processes, potentially intensifying the local urban heat island effect and counteracting the cooling benefits of solar shading.

Over four years, the project will integrate methodologies from building physics and urban climatology to develop a multi-scale simulation and analysis platform. Systematic numerical experiments will quantify the trade-off between the negative thermal effect of heat exhaust and the positive shading effect across various urban morphologies and climatic conditions. The research aims to identify dominant mechanisms and critical thresholds, ultimately proposing an optimisation framework for urban building cluster morphology to improve PV power generation efficiency and outdoor thermal comfort.

The findings are expected to provide crucial scientific evidence and technical tools for mitigating secondary environmental risks from large-scale PV application, guiding the development of 'low-carbon and cool' urban environments. The programme is jointly supervised by Dr Jelena M. Andrić (XJTLU), Dr Sheng Zhang (XJTU), and Professor Dr Luigi Di Sarno (UoL). Doctoral students are registered with both XJTLU and the University of Liverpool, and upon successful completion, will be awarded a PhD degree from the University of Liverpool. Students are expected to conduct research at XJTU as visiting students and may apply for a three to six-month research visit to UoL.

Applicants must have a UK first-class or upper second-class honours Bachelor's degree and a UK Master's degree with Merit (or their equivalent). Exceptional candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree may be considered individually. Proficiency in English is required, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or above if the first language is not English. Additional requirements include a completed Master's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent, excellent communication skills, a track record of publications, interest in building services engineering, and experience in programming using MATLAB or Python.

To apply, email [email protected] with your CV, two reference letters, personal statement, certificates of English language qualifications, full academic transcripts, verified certificates of education qualifications, and a PDF copy of your Master's dissertation or equivalent writing sample. Please include the project title in the subject line. Applications are accepted year round.