Interaction with sea- and lake ice has to be considered in design of offshore wind turbines in cold regions such as the Baltic Sea area, but also for near-shore turbines as those placed in lakes such as the IJsselmeer in the Netherlands. This interaction can result in loads contributing significnatly to fatigue of the support structure or impacting the ultimate limit state design of the rotor-nacelle-assembly.

In the SHIVER project (https://tinyurl.com/shiver-project) TU Delft and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) develop a design methodology for optimized design of wind turbine support structures in ice prone regions. TU Delft builds on a decade of research into the problem of dynamic ice-structure interaction. SGRE as an internationally operating turbine manufacturer brings project specific experience and expert knowledge required for the development of the design methodology.

This PhD study starts with the creation of a benchmark model-scale data set for wind turbines in interaction with ice. You will conduct your experiments at the Aalto ice basin in Finland. The obtained data will be used to validate and improve an existing ice load model after which you will perform a numerical study to identify relevant design load cases and potential for optimization of offshore wind support structures.

For this project you will spend on average two days a week at the offices of SGRE in the Hague. Supervision will be shared between SGRE and TU Delft.

We seek a PhD candidate who has proven affinity with design of offshore wind support structures and preferably some background in structural dynamics or ice mechanics. You are a hands on person with experience in model-scale testing (or equivalent experimental work) focussing on getting the job done with sometimes limited resources. You possess strong social skills and the ability to manage multiple stakeholders in your work.

Furthermore:

• You have a master degree in an area relevant to the subjet e.g. Civil Engineering, applied physics, applied mathematics
• You have already obtained some experience with teaching related activities and are willing to develop your skills in supervising MSc students.
• You must be proficient in spoken and written English.

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. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The minimum salary mentioned is the salary in your first year. The salary mentioned as the maximum will be your salary in your fourth year.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. 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 www.tudelft.nl/phd 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 Civil Engineering and Geosciences

The faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology and delta technology. The research covers global social issues and is closely connected to education as well as the work of a wide range of knowledge institutions. CEG is convinced that Open Science helps to realise these goals and supports its scientists in integrating Open Science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management. The faculty actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

More information about the faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences: www.tudelft.nl/ceg  

The Department of Hydraulic Engineering is mainly concerned with major surface waters such as rivers, estuaries and seas. The focus is on understanding, designing and implementing human interventions in the natural environment for the discharge of water, for protection against water for transport over water and for building in water. Within the department, the Offshore Engineering section provides mechanics-based tools and solutions to offshore engineering challenges. The focus of the research is placed on the integral modelling and design of offshore structures under various loads such as wind, waves, currents and ice. Besides Offshore Engineering, the department consists of the following sections: Coastal Engineering; Rivers, Ports, Waterways and Dredging Engineering; Environmental Fluid Mechanics, and Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk.

More information about the department of Hydraulic Engineering:

www.tudelft.nl/ceg/he