Advanced -board control heat pumps

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 31 May 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 16 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The PhD project will be focused on the control of a vapour compression heat pump developed in the ZEnITh project. In particular the main aim of the research activity will be:

• To develop an accurate dynamic model of a heat pump for control purposes
• To implement a control framework to identify the control actions by varying the load
• To assure integration of different control layers for industrial process decarbonization

Dynamic modelling of the system under consideration will be developed by means of open source tools (e.g. Python/Modelica) and optimization frameworks will be created to support the control implementation.

• Master Degree (MEng or MSc degree or equivalent) in a relevant field for the project content (mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, energy engineering or related subjects).
• Experience with programming languages is considered beneficial (software that can be used in the project: Python, Matlab, Modelica)
• Willingness to cooperate in an open and multi-disciplinary environment, creative mind set and ability to take initiatives

We offer a 4 year contract as PhD student at KU Leuven. The contract can start after September the 1st 2026 (to be agreed). The candidate will attain a KU Leuven PhD degree reflecting skills in modelling, design and control of heating systems for decarbonizing industrial processes.