In the development of a wind park the installation of the wind turbines is a costly and time-consuming phase accounting for around 5% of the capital expenditures. At the moment offshore Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) are installed piece-by-piece using Jack-up vessels but installation of future offshore wind turbines is becoming ever more challenging due to the increase in size of the WTGs as well as the water depth of the foreseen wind parks. The problem is two-fold; on one hand, the current installation vessels are reaching their operational limits; on the other hand the design of current wind turbines limits the type of vessels used for installation to the jack-up vessels only.

An opportunity is appearing for floating Heavy Lift Vessels (HLVs) traditionally used in the oil and gas industry. Compared to jack-ups, these vessels have larger lifting capacities, can be used in deeper waters and don’t have the need for jacking up and down thus saving valuable time resulting in an estimated cost reduction of the installation of 25-50%.

As part of this larger project, the main objective of this PhD is to develop a computationally efficient methodology to simultaneously optimize the controller and structural parameters of a the motion compensation system of  a large floating Heavy Lift Vessel with respect to the cost of energy.
Hereby we target a cost efficient innovative integrated design which reduces the cost with 5%.

The successful candidate has the following qualifications:

• An MSc. degree in systems and control, mechatronics, applied mathematics, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Fundamental knowledge in the field of motion control.
• The capacity to communicate effectively with peers, students and stakeholders in the application field
• Fluency in English
•  An open personality and good communication skills in written and spoken English.

Fixed-term contract: Temporary, 4 years.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit graduateschool.tudelft.nl/ for more information.           

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The 3mE Faculty trains committed engineering students, PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in groundbreaking scientific research in the fields of mechanical, maritime and materials engineering. 3mE is the epitome of a dynamic, innovative faculty, with a European scope that contributes demonstrable economic and social benefits.

The department Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) of the faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. The Centers' research mission is to conduct fundamental research in systems dynamics and control, involving dynamic modelling, advanced control theory, optimisation and signal analysis. The research is motivated by advanced technology development in physical imaging systems, renewable energy, robotics and transportation systems. Please visit https://www.tudelft.nl/dcsc for more information.