Buildings, Transport and Cities
Technoeconomic Analysis of Electrochemical Upgrading of Pyrolysis Oil
Pyrolysis oils, derived from biomass, present a renewable but chemically complex alternative to conventional fossil fuels. The inherent properties of bio-oils, such as high oxygen content, viscosity, and acidity, pose significant challenges for their direct use. This project aims to identify the most marketable deleterious compounds within bio-oil that can be separated. Subsequently, a MATLAB model is used to evaluate the economic feasibility of required separation processes. Eventually, the project reveals key bio-oil compounds and cost-sensitive electrochemical conditions that are worth being studied in future research projects.
Supervisors:
- Prof. Anthony Kucernak, Department of Chemistry
- Michalis Metaxas, Department of Chemistry
Optimizing PV and Battery Storage for Commercial Buildings: Emissions and Cost Analysis
This project aims to determine the optimal capacity for commercial buildings' photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage installations by analysing life cycle emissions and cost optimisation. Multiple battery chemistries and PV types are considered, representing some of the most popular technologies available, with comparisons based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost factors. The project seeks to develop a comprehensive framework for sustainable energy solutions in commercial settings, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and advance renewable energy adoption.
Supervisors:
- Dr. Salvador Acha, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Jasmin Cooper, Department of Chemical Engineering
Assessing the Potential of City Simulation Games in Participatory Urban Planning
Participatory planning is recognized as key to sustainable cities, ensuring that urban plans are people-centric and transit-oriented. However, traditional public engagement methods are failing to reach or reflect the wider community. As a result, researchers and planners are beginning to acknowledge the benefits of games in increasing participation and engagement levels. To this effect, this project explores the city-building game franchise Cities: Skylines and assesses the extent to which it can be applied to participatory planning, highlighting the barriers and opportunities for wider use by planners.
Supervisors:
- Dr. Koen van Dam, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Liu Yang, Southeast University, Nanjing
Delivering Net Zero Logistics: Total Cost of Ownership Analysis of e-HGV Fleets
Amani Veronique Victoire Kouassi
Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) represent 25% of global transport emissions and face significant decarbonization challenges. To support stakeholders in the transition to net-zero transport, this project analyses the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electrifying the HGV fleet of a major UK retailer. The project assesses the trade-offs of two financing models, a purchase and a lease model, with consideration of the necessary infrastructure investments. By integrating logistical challenges and uncertainties in the energy sector, the present study aims to provide insights into the financial implications of the transition and outline a transition pathway for large fleet operators.
Supervisors:
- Dr. Salvador Acha, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Prof. Nilay Shah, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Marc Stettler, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Enhancing Urban Active Mobility: An Agent-Based Modelling Framework for Decision Support
Most activities and people now reside in urban areas, which have historically been shaped by massive car infrastructure, overlooking many economic, environmental, and social issues. Consequently, the transport sector requires particular attention from urban planners and designers to meet the Paris Agreement targets and build more liveable cities by developing low-carbon modes of transport. In this context, Agent-Based Modelling (ABM) is a valuable tool for supporting decision-making. This project focuses on designing an ABM framework to evaluate the impact of cycling infrastructures on transport mode choices and travel behaviour, aiding better planning and investment decisions.
Supervisors:
- Dr. Koen van Dam, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Dr. Liu Yang, Southeast University, Nanjing
UK Policy for Domestic Heat Pumps: How did we get here and what are the future outcomes?
UK's domestic gas consumption generates the equivalent to 14% of the total CO2 emissions - with the UK's ambitions for Net Zero by 2050, it is clear that decarbonising domestic heat is key. Heat pumps are one of the most promising technologies to phase-out gas boilers. However, several factors have prevented their widespread adoption, making the UK one of the worst performing countries in Europe in terms of installations. Therefore, the aims of this project are to assess the history of the policies for heat in the UK and how it has influenced heat pump uptake to date, and to assess the future of the heat pump market in view of the government's aspirations to decarbonise the housing sector.
Supervisors:
- Dr. John Callaghan, Imperial College Business School
Optimal Control Strategies for HVAC Systems in Commercial Buildings
The built environment is a crucial sector to decarbonise to meet Net Zero targets, with buildings accounting for 25% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. This project aims to investigate smart control strategies for HVAC systems in existing retail buildings, using machine learning techniques. Through data analytics and reinforcement learning, it seeks to identify optimal strategies to minimise energy costs for consumers.
Supervisors:
- Dr. Salvador Acha, Department of Chemical Engineering
- Max Bird, Department of Chemical Engineering
Mitigation and adaptation in aviation
The project aims to develop a modelling framework to characterise the dependence of aviation growth on socio-economic drivers. The model includes techno-economic characterisation of the technological options in the sector.
Supervisors:
- Dr. Sara Giarola, Department of Chemical Engineering