ESF-CUC Studentship, University of Plymouth

ESF-CUC Studentship

Thermography for thermal building assessment and improvement.

University of Plymouth, Environmental Building Group, School of Architecture, Design and Environment

Project overview:
Within Cornwall there exists a significant stock of existing buildings that need to be thermally upgraded in order to increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, improve the quality of life of the occupants, and help with fuel poverty. This project aims to develop high level thermography knowledge and skills that will provide key expertise for the identification of weak points in the thermal shell of buildings. This will provide a knowledge base that will contribute to both capacity and delivery.
Thermography is an emerging technology for professionals looking at the thermal performance of buildings. Unfortunately, thermal images are often misinterpreted. This is especially true in conditions where thermal mass and moisture might have an impact on readings, for example in many Cornish period buildings like typical "stone cottages" or Victorian terraced houses. In such cases thermal behaviour shows time-lag and dampening effects, which are not visible in instantaneous thermal images, or simple interpretation of single images. This project will aim to develop a deeper understanding of the relation between thermographic single time-frame images and the ongoing transient heat-flow process where indoor and outdoor environmental conditions are in constant flux.
The project will apply thermography to existing dwellings, either within the rental sector via Penwith Housing Association, or private sector via RTP Surveyors. These partners drive the work of a series of SMEs that undertake the required upgrading of the buildings – contributing to the creation / supporting of jobs in the county. The Cornwal Development Company will help with dissemination and linkage to the micro SMEs in the construction sector.

Supervisors: Dr Pieter de Wilde and Dr David Coley (University of Exeter)

Funding details: The studentship is funded by Europe Social Fund (ESF). It is for 3 years, starting from 1 September 2011 and covers Home/EU tuition fees and a stipend in line with RCUK levels (£13,590 for 2010/11).

Eligibility: Applicants should hold a minimum of a UK Honours Degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a suitable management or built environment field, with ideally a relevant master qualification.

How to apply: For an application form and full details on how to apply, please visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/pghowtoapply. Applications should be made by using the PDF application form or the Word application form. Printed application forms are also available and can be obtained from the Course Information Unit, Tel: +44 (0) 1752 585858, Email: prospectus@plymouth.ac.uk.

On completion send your application form to:

University of Plymouth
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Marketing and Communications Department
Drake Circus
Plymouth, PL4 8AA
United Kingdom

or email to admissions@plymouth.ac.uk

or contact Sue Matheron susan.matheron@plymouth.ac.uk.

Applications can be sent direct to Sue Matheron by email: susan.matheron@plymouth.ac.uk or posted to:

Faculty of Arts
Research and Graduate Affairs Office
Room 305
Roland Levinsky Building
Plymouth, PL4 8AA

Application deadline: 12 noon, Friday 3 June 2011 (with interviews to be organised shortly after that date)

Further enquiries: Please contact Sue Matheron susan.matheron@plymouth.ac.uk, or for an informal discussion regarding the project, Dr Pieter de Wilde pieter.dewilde@plymouth.ac.uk