PhD Scholarships in Offshore Wind Energy

Two PhD scholarships are available at DTU Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark in the field of offshore wind energy. The department has a well-proven research tradition in wind energy. The department is strongly involved in ocean energy research through the Statkraft Ocean Energy Research Program, a collaboration between Statkraft AS, DTU, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and University of Uppsala. The two scholarships are supported by Statkaft AS through this programme.

Starting date is 1 April 2010.

Project 1: Wake Effects in Wind FarmsAn existing CFD model for studying three-dimensional flow fields and wake effects in wind farms will be further developed. Computations will be carried out for flows about blades of modern wind turbines clustered in farms. The computing code will be validated against existing measurements from both laboratory and field measurements. The computations are expected to give detailed information about basic features of wind turbine wakes, including turbulence properties and vortex structures, and used to clarify the influence of wake effects when air flow is passing by a row of wind turbines. The model serves in particular to analyze and verify the validity of the basic assumptions employed in the simple engineering models. Furthermore, the results may aid in achieving optimal designs of rotors as well as in the establishment and planning of wind parks.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Strong skills in scientific computing, fluid mechanics, applied mathematics and C/Fortran/Matlab programming are required as well as a keen interest in offshore wind energy. Documented knowledge or experience within wind energy and/or offshore engineering will be considered as an advantage.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms

The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Henrik Bredmose, tel: +45 4525 4315 (fatigue) and Jens Nørkær Sørensen, tel: +45 4525 4314 (wake effects).You can read more about DTU Mechanical Engineering on www.mek.dtu.dk.

Application

We must have your online application by 28 January 2009. The application should be no more than 2 pages long and you must indicate which of the scholarships you apply for and how you expect to contribute to the project.Apply online at www.dtu.dk/vacancy. Please open the link "apply for this job online" and fill in the application form and attach your application, CV and information about academic grades.All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Mechanical Engineering covers the fundamental engineering disciplines within Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering, Energetics, Solid Mechanics, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Control and Engineering Design, Hydrodynamics, Structural Engineering and Materials. It has a a scientific staff of about 100 persons, 50 ph.d. students and a technical/administrative support staff of 50 persons.