Condition monitoring and non-destructive testing of dynamic cable for offshore renewable energy industry

Offshore wind energy is central to UK’s ambition of transitioning to a sustainable future electricity grid. The growth in power generation from floating wind turbines is increasingly further away from shore and utilising the floating wind turbine support structures. This increases the mechanical strain the cable is subjected to, which is enhanced further by in-service oscillatory movement caused by tidal and wave motion. It is unknown whether low frequency physical oscillations in dynamic cable structures pose an intrinsic reliability risk since conventional land cables are typically installed in relatively benign environments. Typically, cable assets contribute around 5-10% of the total investment costs for an offshore wind farm. However, cable failures cause the majority of the offshore power outages and account for approximately 80% of insurance claims in this industry. Hence, research and development of novel condition monitoring solutions are considered critical to safeguard the growth of green energy revolution.

 This project will investigate the innovative techniques to continuously monitor the health of dynamic cables during live operation. The project is expected to generate thorough understanding from first principles the failure mechanisms and how they manifest in measurable dynamic cable properties. The research will then exploit this improved understanding to create laboratory demonstrators to validate the proposed techniques. This will pave the way for industrial scale up and a key enabling technology for the renewable energy industry.

Eligibility

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a first honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Candidates with 2.1 degree and relevant industrial experiences will also be considered. 

Funding

Funding is available to pay the tuition fee and provide a tax-free (depending on circumstance) stipend at £28,000 pa for 3.5 years for candidates eligible for home-free paying status. 

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisor(s) for this project before you apply.

How to apply

To be considered for this project you’ll need to complete a formal application through our online application portal.

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, how you’re planning on funding your research, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

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