Project: Grid Impact and Thermal Energy Mapping for Decarbonization of Heating
McMaster University – Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Please note this position is only open to domestic applicants who are eligible to study in Canada. No international applications will be accepted at this time.
The McMaster Institute for Energy Studies seeks high caliber students interested in Masters or PhD studies in the area of Grid Impact and Thermal Energy Mapping for Decarbonization of Heating. The goal is to help cities and communities identify local climate action opportunities to decarbonize heating with existing local energy resources in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The applicant will join a multi-disciplinary research team that usesdata analytics and visualization techniques to identify the electrical grid impacts by comparing different community thermal energy sources relative to community heating loads. A systems-level approach to integrate thermal generation, storage, distribution and consumption at the community level will then be developed to significantly reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Research Topics:
- Development of framework to collect, store and visualize a thermal energy resource inventory
- Collection and disaggregation of heating loads and thermal resources from various data sources
- GIS Mapping and thermal energy resource comparison to current and planned/forecasting community heat loads
- Collection of empirical data for model validation and data base populating
- Determine real-time grid demand of heat pump electrification of heating based on hourly weather conditions and forecasted community heat loads
- Investigate thermal storage’s ability to bridge the mismatch between distributed carbon-free heat sources availability and heating demands
Successful candidates will be eligible for a Research Scholarship of $20,000 to $25,000 / year.
Employment Equity Statement
In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, we particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQ+ persons.
Skillsets to be developed:
- Decarbonization pathway planning
- Data visualisation techniques
- Data base development and population
- Graphical Information System (GIS) use
- Heating load disaggregation techniques
- Data analysis techniques
- Integrated energy system modeling
- Thermal impact on electrical grid modeling
- Computational Fluid Dynamics
- Thermal energy measurement system design and data acquisition
- Machine learning forecasting techniques
- For PhD positions: MASc or equivalent in a related engineering discipline (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Engineering Physics)
- For Masters positions: B.Eng or equivalent in a related engineering discipline (Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Chemical, Engineering Physics)
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a large team
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong analytical skills
Assets:
- Previous experience in programming languages (e.g. C++, Java, C#, Matlab, Python)
- Experience in any of the following: Thermofluids, Energy Systems, HVAC Load Prediction, Building Energy Modeling, GIS, Database analysis, Machine learning and AI applied to Energy Systems, or other Data Analytics Studies.
- Publication(s) in relevant journals
How To Apply
To apply for a graduate studies position, please submit your application (Resume/CV, transcripts, cover letter and related information) to Kelton Friedrich at friedrke@mcmaster.ca with subject line: “LinkedIn Job Post: Grad positions available”.