SCENARIO: the effect of non-neutral winds on wind power aerodynamics

According to the UK government, offshore wind is intended to deliver 40GW of by 2030. As our society becomes ever-more dependent on wind power, it is increasingly important to gain a deeper understanding and more accurate predictability of our wind power availability to guarantee a greener future. You will focus on the characterisation of wind turbines performance and wakes interaction in different atmospheric conditions through a series of wind tunnel experiments in the EnFlo facility at Surrey.

Training opportunities

Specialised MSc modules on various aspects of atmospheric fluid mechanics are available at both the Universities of Surrey and Reading. The student will also be encouraged to take part in the Summer School in “Fluid Dynamics of Sustainability and the Environment” offered by the University of Cambridge (UK) and “Introduction to Measurement Techniques” Lecture Series at VKI (Belgium).

Duration

All Scenario studentships are initially offered for 3 years. If at the start of the studentship a gap in knowledge or training is identified for the specific project, the studentship can be extended to 3.5 years at that point. Towards the end of the PhD, there is the opportunity to apply for an extension, based on set criteria. The maximum duration of funding is 4 years.

References

Energy white paper: Powering our net zero future (2020), Department for Business, Energy Industrial Strategy.

Applicants should hold or expect to gain a minimum of one of the following:

• 2:1 bachelor degree
• Masters degree with merit
• Equivalent in a relevant engineering field (aeronautics, environmental, civil, mechanical) or physical/environmental science (physics, meteorology).

Excellent communications skills is a must. Previous experience with experimental work would be beneficial.