PhD Scholarship in Affordable Cooling Solutions for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates

This PhD scholarship at Aalborg University, within the Faculty of Engineering and Science's Department of the Build Environment and the Energy research group, focuses on developing evidence-based, affordable cooling solutions for buildings in hot and humid climates. The project addresses the rapidly increasing global demand for building cooling, which is outpacing other energy uses in the sector and placing significant strain on electricity grids, especially during peak demand periods. By 2040, indoor space cooling is projected to be the second-largest contributor to global electricity growth. The research will investigate optimal system design, installation, and efficient operation of cooling solutions tailored to various building typologies. Key areas of focus include combining passive and active cooling strategies, optimizing sensor types and placement for effective monitoring and fault detection, and developing a co-simulation environment to analyze energy use and indoor climate in typical and affordable cooling configurations. The project will validate models using real operational buildings and systems, establish benchmark operational and boundary conditions, and evaluate system robustness under non-optimal and extreme conditions. The PhD student will work at the AAU Campus in Aalborg and contribute to the Sustainable Water-based Cooling in Megacities (SWiM) project, funded by the Grundfos Foundation. Candidates should have a relevant engineering background, preferably with experience in data analysis, energy and indoor environment modeling, building control, and qualitative research methods. The position requires a Master's degree and enrollment in the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science. The stipend is for three years, with salary and employment terms governed by the AC collective agreement. Aalborg University values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. The application process involves submitting a motivation statement, CV, diplomas, project description, and other relevant documents via the university's recruitment system. The selection process includes shortlisting and assessment by qualified experts, with all applicants informed of their status. The university offers a collaborative, international research environment dedicated to solving societal challenges through world-class research and education.