Wind energy is set to be a major contributor to the decarbonisation of the energy sector. Offshore wind farms are being built without subsidy, but successful offer prices are predicted to further reduce cost. Operation & Maintenance (O&M) can contribute up to 30% of the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of offshore wind. Making decisions for planning and scheduling of maintenance is important and plays a critical role in reducing the cost and realizing the scale of wind power.

Blade failure reduces turbine yield or in extreme cases stops turbine operation and requires replacement which is a time-consuming and costly operation involving heavy lift vessels offshore. The NWO project Holi-DOCTOR aims to investigate monitoring techniques including sound and vibration measurements and infrared measurements in a holistic framework. Timely intervention informed by effective monitoring can aid remedial action, avoiding full replacement and finally help optimize O&M schedules and improve the efficiency of wind turbine maintenance.

As a part of the Holi-DOCTOR collaborative project, this PhD work aims to investigate an O&M optimization model incorporating predictive maintenance of blades, based on advanced monitoring techniques developed by other partners to assess cost effectiveness brought by blade conditional monitoring and finally optimize O&M decision making of a wind farm. 

A series of research questions need to be answered in this PhD project include what successful O&M models are to consider failure modes, failure rates and remaining life time of the blade as well as realistic repair actions and expenses collected from field test and industry partners? How such models can take into account of real surrounding logistics, supply chain and meteorological conditions?  What the role of continuously monitored data would be in the maintenance decision updating ? How to eliminate the discrepancy between prediction and reality and make more effective maintenance decisions and how to quantify it? etc.

In this project, the PhD researcher would have opportunity to work with companies or industry with actual O&M data of wind farms.

Applicants for this position should have the following:

• MSc in mechanical engineering, maritime, offshore, aerospace or civil engineering, computer engineering, automatic control or applied mathematics.
• Good communication and writing skills in English.
• Collaborative attitude towards companies and research institutes.
• Preferably:

- demonstrable affinity with O&M in offshore or logistic context.

- experience in data analytics and / or machine learning.

- demonstrable affinity with mathematical optimization.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 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.

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Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nano scale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

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