4-year PhD with Integrated Studies

Background and aim of the project

The UK is at the forefront of energy generation from ocean renewables which includes wave, tidal and offshore wind energy technologies, and these sources will help the nation in achieving the path to net zero by 2050. In 2020, the UK generated 75,610 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity from both offshore and onshore wind alone and this is highly encouraging. The development of offshore wind is critical in supporting the government’s target of producing sufficient renewable energy from the ocean to power every UK home by the end of this decade. Various design concepts of (fixed and floating) offshore wind generation technologies have been considered and researched, however there is always design challenges associated with various components of a floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) technology, and one of them is addressing the nonlinear response in extreme wave conditions. This project will focus on this particular element.  

Research Methodology

Accurate prediction of hydrodynamic loads and motion responses of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWT) play a significant role in the design and operation process, and, this is one of the challenges facing the development of floating wind turbines. This research will develop a new concept FOWT for intermediate to deep water applications. For the calculation of dynamic loads, motions, and run-up, first and higher order potential flow theories combined with Morison method will be investigated. The low-frequency and high-frequency motions, run-up and mooring  responses of the FOWT will be studied. A comparison between linear and nonlinear approaches will be evaluated for the floater motions, mooring loads, run-up and tower-base loads etc. In parallel a scale model of the FOWT will be fabricated and experiments will be conducted by the applicant for different types of waves at the University of Edinburgh’s wave/current generation laboratory. FOWT motions and  loads will be measured using various equipment. The numerical model results will be compared with the scale model experiments and validated.

Applicants should have a high (1st or 2:1) Honours Degree/Master’s degree in Engineering/Mathematics or other relevant discipline with exposure to ocean renewables/offshore hydrodynamics/fluid mechanics/structural dynamics. Excellent organisational and communication skills are required. The PhD student will join the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures (WAMESS). Please see https://edin.ac/2zvpMb2 for more information on the programme of study including the list of taught courses.

Start date: Sept/Oct 2022 or soon.