PhD Studentship: The X-Rotor Offshore Wind Turbine Concept Development

PhD in the Engineering Hydrogen NetZero (EnerHy) CDT which is a new EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) focusing on research and training in the areas of Hydrogen and Wind Energy. The University of Strathclyde will lead the wind energy training and research elements of the programme. Funded by EPSRC, this 4-year PhD studentship, at the University of Strathclyde is in the area of novel wind turbine concept development. The role is for the first intake of the EnergHy programme which commences in October 2024. 

Research project overview:

The X-Rotor is a radical offshore wind turbine concept that has potantial to reduce the levelised cost of energy from offshore wind by 20-30%. The concept combines a vertical axis promary rotor with horizontal axis secondary rotors to reduce both capital cost and maintenance costs of offshore wind energy. Development of the concept has been funded by the EU H2020 programme www.xrotor-project.eu, EPSRC, the Royal Academy of Engineering and industrial partners. Other benefits of the X-Rotor concept include greater potential for high density wind farms, floating wind and wind energy at low wind speed sites.

The EU H2020 XROTOR project will take the two bladed X-Rotor concept to TRL 3. Further sub TRL3 work is required to develop a three bladed version of the concept to expliot the X-Rotor’s potential benefits relating to floating wind and low wind speed sites. Additionally design work is required on a 10:1 scaled prototype of the concept to go beyond TRL 3.

For both the 3 bladed version of the X-Rotor and the 10:1 scaled prototype concept, development is required in the following areas: Electrical design, Aerodynamics, Structural design, Controls and Maintenance/LCoE modelling.

If you are interested in the developing of the X-Rotor concept in any of the previously mentioned areas we welcome you application. If you are a suitable candidate exact areas of interest can be discussed during your interview.

Entry Requirements and further details:

This 4 year fully funded studentship (fees, stipend and travel budget) is open to applicants with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Physics or any Engineering discipline. Please apply by submitting your CV, cover letter and transcript to j.carroll@strath.ac.uk and drew.smith@strath.ac.uk

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