Fully Funded EPSRC PhD Scholarship in improving the accessibility of offshore wind infrastructure in hostile environments

This project will primarily be based at the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), Heriot-Watt University, Orkney Campus

Offshore wind farms are increasingly proposed for more remote and challenging environments. An example is the four “ScotWind” option sites (N1 – N4) north and west of Scotland. These sites are exposed to a ferocious wind and wave climate in winter. The sites are attractive for high and sustained wind power but are challenging with respect to access for pre-commissioning and operational activities in adverse environmental conditions. Pre-commissioning (15%) and operations and maintenance (35%) are estimated to amount together to typically half the lifetime costs of energy from offshore wind farms and this may be exceeded in the most challenging environments. An initial analysis has shown that accessibility of N1 – N4 for necessary operations with existing technology is poor, especially but not exclusively in winter. The project will develop methods to improve accessibility in such environments; examples are given below but the successful candidate should innovate beyond these.:

1. Effective appliance of climatological data for strategic planning
2. Merging of data and forecasts from multiple sources and timely interpretation for operational purposes
3. Identification and evaluation of appropriate technological advances to increase accessibility, or to reduce the need for human access.
4. Modification of industry practice within governance constraints

Co-design, testing and assessment of the combined portfolio of will be in collaboration with the industrial partner.

The project offers scope for the successful candidate to bring their own perspective, but it is expected that this project will be interdisciplinary. Methods and approaches to improve accessibility should consider industry practice, human factors, and governance opportunities and barriers, in addition to scientific and technical innovations. Stakeholder engagement (with those involved with pre-commissioning and O&M) will be key to project success. In particular, the successful candidate will undertake this project in collaboration with West of Orkney Windfarm, who have secured an agreement for the 'N1' site with Crown Estate Scotland.

 

Supervisors
A multi-disciplinary supervisory team will be led by Dr David Woolf , supported by Dr Simon Waldman and Dr Karen Alexander

 

Funding
This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees (Home student only) and provide an annual stipend for 42 months. The standard EPSRC stipend will be uplifted by £6,000 per annum for a total of £25,237, thanks to the support of Offshore Wind Power Ltd. If completion slips beyond 42 months, students will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

 

Eligibility
This project is available to “home” students only.

Applicants typically should have a first or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject and preferably a relevant Masters’ qualification or similar experience. You should have strong numerical skills. Experience of one or more programming languages would be beneficial. Practical experience of the marine environment would be valued. You will be highly motivated and confident enough to seek out solutions beyond the current team if required. You must be able to describe complex issues in a way that is accessible to the range of stakeholders with whom you will work. A placement with West of Orkney Windfarm (Offshore Wind Power Ltd) is required. The satisfaction of Offshore Wind Power Ltd is a condition of the scholarship.

The project will be located at the HWU Orkney ICIT campus and the successful candidate will be based in Orkney.

 

How to apply
To apply you must complete our online application form. Please select PhD Environment as the programme and include the full project title, reference number and supervisor name on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project. You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0, or a TOEFL certificate with an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact Dr David Woolf (David.Woolf@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

 

Timelines
The closing date for applications is 26th April 2024 with interviews in May 2024. Applicants should be available to start the PhD in September 2024.