PhD Studentship - Smart Artificial Islands for Offshore Renewable Energy

Research theme: Offshore geotechnics

No. of positions: 1

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425 [uom.link]

This 3.5 year PhD is funded by The University of Manchester and The University of Melbourne. Tuition fees will be paid and the successful candidate will receive a tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) plus health insurance, and relocation support.

Offshore wind energy plays a pivotal role in the global transition to sustainable energy. To decarbonize its energy supply and meet Net Zero targets, the UK is aiming for a rapid expansion of offshore renewable energy, with plans to deploy 50GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, including 5GW from floating wind farms. However, efficiently delivering, transporting, and storing this green energy presents significant challenges. Artificial energy islands offer an innovative solution by streamlining the integration of offshore wind farms and minimizing the need for multiple onshore landing points. These islands will facilitate the conversion of green energy into sustainable fuels for aviation and maritime transport. Additionally, they are being proposed as sites for green hydrogen production and battery storage, driving a substantial shift in the green energy landscape. A notable example is the North Sea Energy Island, part of the North Sea Wind Power Hub project. This expansive initiative covers 2.5 square miles and features an airport, harbour and converters that transform wind-generated electricity from AC to DC, allowing for transmission to five neighbouring countries. In light of the escalating risks associated with climate change, it is essential that these critical offshore infrastructures are designed for safe operation and resilience against rising sea levels and extreme marine conditions.

To achieve the ambitious goals for offshore wind energy, it is essential to address the geotechnical challenges associated with building foundations in the unique marine environment of calcareous sand. One key challenge is understanding how moisture distribution within these sandy foundations affects their stability and performance over time. Fluctuations in moisture content, caused by tidal movements and changes in groundwater levels, can lead to uneven settlement, which poses risks to the integrity of offshore structures. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the settlement mechanisms of calcareous sand foundations, focusing on how moisture mitigation strategies can improve their long-term performance.

The project will employ advanced sensing technologies and a digital twin approach to monitor moisture dynamics and foundation behaviour in real-time. By integrating these innovative methods, we will enhance our understanding of the complex interactions within the foundation system.
The project is part of a joint PhD program between The University of Melbourne and The University of Manchester. The student will spend one year at The University of Melbourne, working with world-class experts in offshore engineering, and the remaining time at The University of Manchester. This collaboration will allow the student to gain a global perspective on the challenges of offshore energy development and access to specialized resources at both institutions.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

To apply, please contact Dr Xiaomin Xu - xiaomin.xu@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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