Research Associate in System Level Control System Design of Floating Platforms

The University of Manchester has a strong history of research into offshore renewable energy with leading international activity. We are here concerned with control of floating offshore wind platforms of semi-sub type to maximise power capture, minimise platform motion and structural stress. This is a multi-disciplinary project involving hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, control, co-design, sea wave prediction and validation by tank testing experiments. This 24-month component addresses the control-oriented modelling of floating wind platform, controller design, co-design and real-time control experiment by tank testing experiments.

This collaborative project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and led by the University of Manchester, in partnership with the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth.

The overall project aim is to optimally minimise platform motion and maximise output during power production by integrated (holistic) preview control of wave and wind effects on a single platform and turbine. This includes a key reliability goal to ensure that acceleration at the nacelle due to pitch and surge is less than 0.3g, and to minimise damaging electrical surges and fatigue of structural components. The aim is to also absolutely minimise platform motion for safe maintenance during personnel and material transfers by boat or helicopter, and minimise debilitating motion effects on personnel during maintenance work.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated research associate looking for a challenging opportunity in control system designs for offshore renewable energy systems, who can communicate and work collaboratively with the academic partners in the consortium. The applicant will have a PhD in a relevant degree and/or relevant equivalent experiences. Relevant theoretical and practical experiences of modelling and controller design will be essential.

The University of Manchester values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The School is committed to Athena SWAN principles to promote women in science.

What can you expect in return

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CVs submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Contact: Professor Guang Li

Email: guang.li@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support: jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

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