The London-Loughborough EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Energy Demand offers a four year programme which combines a one year Master of Research (MRes) in Energy Demand Studies followed by a three year doctorate (PhD).
MRes Dissertation Projects
The first year of the programme is an intensive taught course which differs from a normal Master of Science degree in its emphasis on research. Students will carry out a series of research projects, including a research dissertation which spans the entire academic year.
View MRes Dissertation Projects
PhD Projects
Please note the projects on the site have been developed by our current students. New students will develop a suitable PhD research proposal with help from the Centre Directors and Academic Managers at UCL and Loughborough University during the first MRes year.
View PhD Projects
W7UP4 – Power temperature gradients as a fuel poverty indicator
Read morePower temperature gradients as a fuel poverty indicator Harry Kennard, UCL Energy Institute Overview Plotting the metered energy of a dwelling against external temperature gives an indication of the thermal performance…
W7UP9 Heat pumps for domestic heating: A techno-economic exploration of comparative advantages of individual scale versus district level.
Read moreHeat pumps for domestic heating: A techno-economic exploration of comparative advantages of individual scale versus district level. Zack (Zhikun Wang), UCL Energy Institute Summary Heating is the most important component…
W2UP17 – Can Central Heating Installers Influence Householders’ Habitual Space Heating Practices?
Read moreCan Central Heating Installers Influence Householders’ Habitual Space Heating Practices? Faye Wade, UCL Context: This research investigates the installation process of central heating systems, and how this influences the adoption…
W7UP10 – Experienced Temperature and Health
Read moreExperienced temperature and Health Harry Kennard, UCL Energy Institute Heating and hot water demand account for around 40% of total UK energy demand. Cutting emissions from heating is essential if the…
W7UP8 How flexible is UK home heating demand?
Read moreHow flexible is UK home heating demand? Clare Hanmer, UCL Most future scenarios for decarbonising the UK energy system include a high proportion of homes with electric heat pumps. Shifting…
W5UP4 – A novel method of determining events in combination gas boilers: Assessing the feasibility of a passive acoustic sensor
Read moreA novel method of determining events in combination gas boilers: Assessing the feasibility of a passive acoustic sensor Thomas Neeld, UCL Energy Institute Overview For researchers, having access to tools that…
W3LP6 – Assessing long-term actual daylighting performance of classrooms in-use
Read moreAssessing long-term actual daylighting performance of classrooms in-use Nafsika Drosou CONTEXT In the international effort to reduce carbon emissions, attention has been brought to obtaining energy from renewable sources. Daylight…
W2UP4 -Occupant Evaluation and Energy Performance Analysis of Barbican Estate Dwellings
Read moreOccupant Evaluation and Energy Performance Analysis of Barbican Estate Dwellings Carrie Behar, UCL PROJECT INTRODUCTION A post-occupancy evaluation of 2056 residential dwellings was carried out at the Grade II Listed…
W5UP5 How can we encourage consumers to switch to time of use tariffs? Evidence from a randomised control trial on a nationally representative sample of British energy bill payers
Read moreHow can we encourage consumers to switch to time of use tariffs? Evidence from a randomised control trial on a nationally representative sample of British energy bill payers Moira Nicolson,…
W4LP8 – The effect of internal wall insulation in solid wall dwellings on energy demand, thermal comfort and overheating
Read moreThe effect of internal wall insulation in solid wall dwellings on energy demand, thermal comfort and overheating Vicki Tink, Loughborough University Approximately 30% of the UK’s housing stock is comprised…
W3UP1 – What role for home energy monitors in primary school energy education?
Read moreWhat role for home energy monitors in primary school energy education? Mike Fell, UCL Introduction My research is employing focus groups with children, parents/guardians and teachers to find out what…
W5LP3 – Reducing the Operation Performance Gap – improving building simulation tools through data-driven and real-time approaches
Read moreReducing the Operation Performance Gap – improving building simulation tools through data-driven and real-time approaches George Papachristou, Loughborough University Project Summary The existing building stock continues to have high greenhouse…
W2UP3 – Co-heating Tests in the Field and Laboratory
Read moreCo-heating Tests in the Field and Laboratory Samuel Stamp, UCL Energy Institute Overview A co-heating test is a method of measuring the whole building heat loss or heat loss coefficient…
W1LP6 – Monitoring and Modelling UK hospital energy consumption to identify optimal building-specific retrofit measures for a changing climate
Read moreMonitoring and Modelling UK hospital energy consumption to identify optimal building-specific retrofit measures for a changing climate Louis Fifield, Loughborough University Overview The department of health has set stringent energy…
Hygrothermal characterisation of in-situ solid brick walls and the impacts of internal wall insulation
Read moreby Naomi Grint, UCL Energy Institute Internal wall insulation (IWI) is among the most effective retrofit strategies, but there is uncertainty surrounding moisture risk. This research addresses the need for long…
W5UP9 – A novel method for the estimation of thermophysical properties of walls from short and seasonal-independent in-situ surveys
Read moreA novel method for the estimation of thermophysical properties of walls from short and seasonal-independent in-situ surveys Virginia Gori, UCL Several studies have shown a performance gap between the published…
W5UP12 – Energy efficiency in the UK private rented sector: government policy and landlords’ practices
Read moreEnergy efficiency in the UK private rented sector: government policy and landlords’ practices Zareen Sethna, UCL Energy Institute Overview The context of energy efficiency in the private rented sector There…
W5LP1 – The feasibility of natural ventilation in plus energy houses in Central Europe
Read moreThe feasibility of natural ventilation in plus energy houses in Central Europe George Papachristou, Loughborough University Project Summary The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive of the European Commission sets a…
W1UP3 – Mapping thermal discomfort responses in residential environments
Read moreMapping thermal discomfort responses in residential environments Stephanie Gauthier, UCL Thermal comfort has widespread implications, including health and energy demand, yet little is known about the interrelation between thermal-discomfort responses…