Operations and Maintenance (O&M) account for up to 30% of the total cost from wind energy. Hence, current research efforts are aimed at reducing wind turbine downtime and increasing reliability, availability and performance.

Prognostics and health management (PHM) is key to assure reliable and efficient wind farm performance, especially offshore. The turbine health conditions can be monitored by analysing monitoring signals acquired from a wind farm. These signals can allow the detection of anomalies, diagnose faults and, more importantly, predict the system remaining useful life (RUL) over the lifetime of a component. However, prognostics and determination of RUL of wind turbine components is still a relatively new field of research. Nevertheless, the estimation of a component’s RUL represents crucial health information as it can provide advanced warning of potential failures, and the opportunity to implement measures to avoid catastrophic failures. These estimates can significantly reduce turbine downtime and maintenance costs.

The main aim of the PhD project is to design and validate innovative models for wind turbine prognostics to predict components’ RUL and its corresponding uncertainties. During the project, you will model the highly variable operational regime of wind turbines and integrate multiple data sources. The project will leverage data domain (e.g., Machine Learning), physics domain and hybrid approaches to create automated, reliable and scalable RUL predictors of the most critical wind turbine components. In this PhD project, you will benefit from a strong industry and, both national and international, research network at TU Delft in the Wind Energy section and in the Wind Energy Institute (DUWIND). In particular, there will be the possibility to collaborate, among others, with Dr Sheng at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado and Prof. Nejad at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

Given the consistent increase in the installed capacity worldwide, the proposed research is very timely as it will address the operational challenges and costs associated with wind turbine O&M.

To be considered for the position you will have:

• A MSc degree in a relevant field, such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science.
• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in wind turbine modelling and signal processing, including classification methods.
• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in AI methods, preferably deep learning techniques.
• Programming experience in Python/MATLAB, preferably combined with experience in working with wind energy systems and data.
• A curiosity-driven mindset and a strong motivation of conducting independent research.
• An open personality for cooperation with colleagues and co-supervision of students.
• Good English language and communication skills (written and oral) in order to closely cooperate with colleagues and students as well as write project documents.

Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. A strict equal opportunity, gender-neutral and internationally comparable recruitment procedure is implemented.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

The Department of Aerodynamics, Wind Energy and Flight Performance and Propulsion (AWEP) is one of four departments composing Aerospace Engineering. Fundamental research is performed in the Aerodynamics section. Aircraft design, propulsion systems and their integration are the main topics in the FPP section. Wind energy systems, from small wind turbines to large offshore farms, are the objective of the research of the Wind Energy Section. The department operates comprehensive laboratories, equipped with modern wind tunnels and state-of-the-art measurement systems.

The Wind Energy Section facilitates the development of wind energy technology and the expansion of the use of wind power through research and education.

In its research activities there is a focus on large multi megawatt offshore wind turbines and offshore wind farms, though urban and airborne wind power is also addressed. Both technology development aspects as well as fundamental aspects are present in the research program. With respect to educational courses, the BSc and MSc level are offered for Aerospace students, SET students and for the European Wind Energy Master (EWEM) students. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.