Integrated Aero/Hydro/Structural Analysis and Multi-objective Optimisation of Floating Wind Turbines

Floating wind energy is a highly scalable future energy source. Almost 80% of the Europe wind resources are in waters with +60 m depth, where floating offshore wind turbines are deemed to be the natural solutions. However, the cost of floating structure and commissioning contributes significantly to the overall cost and as such the current levelised cost of energy (LCE) produced by floating wind turbines is significantly higher than the bottom-fixed near-shore turbines. The proposed research aims at reducing LCE produced by floating offshore wind turbines. In order to reduce the cost of energy produced by floating wind turbines, a multi-criteria design optimisation approach must be adopted, in which the aerodynamic performance of the turbine, the structural performance of the tower and floating system and the stability of the whole system must be considered simultaneously to achieve superior solutions. This project includes analytical modelling, numerical analysis and optimisation. Numerical analysis includes finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics and blade element momentum theory using engineering packages using ANSYS or ABAQUS as well as in-house specialised software tools WTSim, WTAC and WTBM [1-3]. Analytical analysis is mainly focused on stability analysis of the system.

Candidates should have (or expect to achieve) a UK honours degree at 2.1 or above (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Aerospace or Structural Engineering.

Applicants must have a good background knowledge in structural analysis, finite element methods and computer programming, and be willing to develop a strong background knowledge in a number of areas, including aerodynamics of wind turbines, fluid-structure interaction subject to stochastic loading and metaheuristic optimisation methods such as genetic algorithms during the course of their PhD study.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

• Apply for Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering
• State name of the lead supervisor as the Name of Proposed Supervisor
• State ‘Self-funded’ as Intended Source of Funding
• State the exact project title on the application form

When applying please ensure all required documents are attached:

• All degree certificates and transcripts (Undergraduate AND Postgraduate MSc-officially translated into English where necessary)
• Detailed CV

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr A Maheri ([Email Address Removed]), with a copy of your curriculum vitae and cover letter. All general enquiries should be directed to the Postgraduate Research School ([Email Address Removed])

It is possible to undertake this project by distance learning. Interested parties should contact Dr Maheri to discuss this.