University PhD Research Studentship
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Sustainable Urban Environments
Reference Number: SEBE_ILW_2014_3
Studentship Project Title: Novel and cost effective transparent insulation material for solar
energy application
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within
the School of Engineering and Built Environment. The studentship is for a period of three years, subject
to satisfactory progress and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend of
£14,800 [please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between
International and EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum]. The successful candidate
will carry out up to 6 hours of academic-related work per week as part of their research training.
Research Discipline
Solar energy, renewable energy, material science
Research Theme
Sustainable Urban Environments
Research Project Summary
Transparent insulation materials (TIMs) are small-celled honeycomb structures, made of
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic translucent foam and aerogels,
which have been used in the past, as solar absorbers in various applications, such as, solar
collectors and building facades. The optical and thermal performance however, are influenced by
the uniformity and quality of the cells produced. Previous works have identified the potential of
the application of TIMs to building facades, to reduce heat losses, control indoor temperatures
and allow solar transmittance of more than 50%. Major constraints are however, related to
imperfection in thin-celled plastic TIMs manufactured, low working temperatures of plastic
TIMs, high investment cost, overheating in summer, and maintenance issues in high-rise
buildings.
This research aims to develop a novel and cost effective TI-system to reduce the “imperfection”
of the cells, improve the “workability” of the material and thermal performance in applications.
The research will contribute to resolving the existing issues related to TIMs, particularly, high
costs, durability and maintenance. The research will investigate a new geometrical layout of TIM
cells and the use of new cell material, to reduce the costs of the system and improve thermal
performance of the system. Both experiments and numerical simulation studies will be carried
out to predict the optical properties and thermal performance of the system. This research will
add value to the existing knowledge of TIM development and is considered timely to advance the
technologies. The application of the technologies will be particularly useful in energy and
building sectors.
Supervisory Team
Dr Ing Liang Wong (SEBE, GCU)
Dr Stas Burek (SEBE, GCU)
Prof. Dr Richard Schilling (School of Textiles and Design, Reutlingen University, Alterburgstrabe
150, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany)
Staff Contact
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Dr Ing Liang Wong
Email: IngLiang.Wong@gcu.ac.uk
Tel: 01413313864
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from:
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/phdresearchopportunities/
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
The closing date for applications is 14th April 2014
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