[School of Engineering PhD Scholarships] Air-to-Air Heat Pumps for Equitable Demand Flexibility and Year-Round Thermal Comfort in UK Homes

About the project

About the Project Heat pumps will play a major role in decarbonising UK homes, but most discussion focuses on winter heating. Climate change is also making overheating a growing problem, meaning many homes may increasingly need cooling as well as low-carbon heat (Pinchbeck et al., 2026). Around 4 million UK homes now have air conditioning, double the level three years ago, to manage overheating. If this growth continues through conventional air-conditioning units, it could increase summer electricity demand and place additional pressure on local power distribution networks. This PhD will explore whether reversible air-to-air heat pumps can offer a more integrated solution. These systems can provide heating, cooling, dehumidification, air filtration and room-by-room temperature control, making them a promising but under-researched option for healthier, more comfortable and more climate-resilient homes (Parkinson et al., 2025). The project asks how air-to-air heat pumps could help households maintain year-round thermal comfort while also supporting a more flexible electricity system. Demand flexibility can help defer costly power network reinforcement, support the integration of wind and solar generation, and improve resilience during periods of heatwaves or network stress (Kuriakose, Martínez Ceseña and Wood, 2025). For example, homes could be warmed or cooled slightly before a peak demand period, allowing electricity use to be reduced later while indoor temperatures remain within acceptable comfort limits. Room-level operation may also avoid heating or cooling unused spaces at particular times of day, reducing energy demand without compromising wellbeing. The project will therefore examine not only the technical potential of air-to-air heat pumps, but also how they might be operated in ways that are practical and acceptable for different households. The PhD student will develop a modelling framework for different UK home types, including variations in dwelling form, fabric performance, heat loss, solar gains and occupancy patterns. The work will test how air-to-air heat pumps perform under current and future weather conditions, including heatwaves, and will consider heating and cooling demand, peak electricity use, demand flexibility, thermal comfort, overheating risk and affordability. The modelling may include scenarios with dynamic electricity tariffs, local network constraints, pre-heating, pre-cooling and room-level control. A key part of the project is fairness: flexible energy technologies should not reduce comfort, increase costs or shift system risks onto households that are already vulnerable to poor housing quality, fuel poverty or heat exposure. This PhD would suit a student interested in low-carbon buildings, heat pumps, climate adaptation, energy modelling, optimisation and just energy transitions. The successful candidate will join Tyndall Manchester, an interdisciplinary research community focused on climate change mitigation, adaptation, energy systems and sustainability. They will receive regular supervision and opportunities to engage with wider research and stakeholder networks. The project will generate practical evidence for technology providers, electricity network operators, local authorities, housing organisations and policymakers on how air-to-air heat pumps could contribute to fairer, healthier and more resilient UK homes. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here. . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as environmental engineering, civil engineering, energy systems, mechanical engineering, building physics and services, environmental geography, environmental science, data science, (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as environmental engineering, civil engineering, energy systems, mechanical engineering, building physics and services, environmental geography, environmental science, data science (or international equivalent). Previous research experience in building energy modelling, heat pumps, thermal comfort, climate adaptation, optimisation modelling, data analysis, or energy policy/equity is desirable. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoE

Research areas