XJU
Urban Building Cluster Morphology Optimization based on Accumulative Heat Exhaustion from Clustered Photovoltaic Systems on Urban Microclimate
✓ Fully Funded
🎓 Architecture & Planning
🎓 Civil Engineering
🎓 Computer Science
🎓 Design
🎓 Engineering
Python
numerical simulation
MATLAB
Urban microclimate
building cluster morphology
heat exhaust
low-carbon urban design
photovoltaic systems
urban heat island
This PhD investigates the heat exhaust from dense urban photovoltaic (PV) clusters and its effects on local microclimate, aiming to develop multi-scale simulations to optimise building cluster morphology for thermal comfort, PV efficiency, and low-carbon urban design.
Project Description
Photovoltaic panels release waste heat during power generation, and when clustered densely in urban areas, this heat can accumulate and interact with atmospheric processes. This “clustered heat exhaust effect” may counteract cooling benefits and exacerbate urban heat islands.
Over four years, the project will integrate building physics and urban climatology to:
Develop an efficient multi-scale simulation platform for urban building clusters.
Quantify the trade-off between PV heat exhaust and shading effects under varying urban morphologies and climates.
Identify dominant mechanisms and thresholds affecting local microclimate and PV performance.
Propose optimisation frameworks for urban building cluster morphology to improve thermal comfort and sustainable energy efficiency.
Research will involve numerical experiments and computational modelling using MATLAB or Python. Students may conduct research visits to XJTU and University of Liverpool as part of the joint programme.
Entry Requirements
UK first-class or 2:1 Bachelor’s degree + Master’s with Merit in Civil Engineering or related field (exceptional Bachelor’s-only candidates may be considered).
Proficiency in English (IELTS ≥6.5 or equivalent).
Strong written and spoken communication skills and programming experience in MATLAB or Python.
Track record of publications is desirable.
Proficiency in English (IELTS ≥6.5 or equivalent).
Strong written and spoken communication skills and programming experience in MATLAB or Python.
Track record of publications is desirable.
How to Apply
Send the following to Jelena.Andric@xjtlu.edu.cn
(include project title in subject line):
CV
Two reference letters
Personal statement
English language certificates
Academic transcripts
Verified educational certificates
Master’s dissertation or equivalent writing sample
(include project title in subject line):
CV
Two reference letters
Personal statement
English language certificates
Academic transcripts
Verified educational certificates
Master’s dissertation or equivalent writing sample
Eligibility
UK/Home
EU
International
Supervisor Profile
DJ
Dr Jelena M. Andrić
Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU) – Design School, Design School
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