Small Machine & Stand Alone Systems: design of mixed sources systems, stability, control, impact on the rural economyDemand Side Management: wind power integration into power systems

Studentships are available to UK and eligible EU citizens who have, or are about to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class Honours degree, or MSc qualification in a physical science or engineering discipline. Studentships begin on 1 October each year, cover University fees and offer a highly competitive stipend (maintenance grant) for four years. Successful applicants will be invited for interview.

The EPSRC Doctoral Training Centre (DTC) in Wind Energy Systems was established to help develop the UK’s global position in the wind energy field and develop the leaders of tomorrow. It brings together pioneering research and advanced skills training to help the UK meet its ambitious renewable energy targets, and address the widely accepted skills shortage in this dynamic and rapidly expanding sector.

The Centre will draw on expertise from across the University, involving world-class academics from a wide variety of disciplines. It is housed within custom built research facilities within the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering’s internationally recognised Institute for Energy & Environment. The Institute is the largest academic centre of electrical power engineering and energy expertise in Europe.

Widely supported by business and industry, the Centre is committed to developing the new wave of highly skilled professionals needed to meet the energy challenge.

Ten prestigious EPSRC four-year PhD studentships are on offer to talented engineering and physical sciences graduates for each of the next five years. Students will receive a formal programme of training and research to develop and enhance their technical interdisciplinary knowledge, and broaden their understanding of the social, political and economic contexts of wind power. They benefit from a world-class study environment.

Students receive formal classes in all aspects of wind technology, together with training in professional, business and entrepreneurial skills and research techniques and methodologies. Potential PhD topics are explored with academic supervisors during this year, with the final topic to be agreed for the start of Year 2.

Socio-Economics of Energy SystemsMechanical Systems and Turbine DesignWind Turbine Technology 1Power Systems & Wind Integration 1

Wind Turbine ControlWind Turbine Power ConversionWind Turbine Technology 2Power Systems & Wind Integration 2

Students undertake a PhD project on a topic of their choice within the wind energy discipline. Project areas available can include:Medium/Large Machine Design: aerodynamics and blade design, generators and variable speed drives, power electronics, control and load reduction Reliability: failure rate analysis, condition monitoring, proactive operation and maintenance systemsWind Farms: wake interaction, farm layout, lightning protection, radar interference & condition monitoringOff-Shore Location: sub-sea structures design, logistics of deployment, operational research of maintenanceWind Farm Design: offshore grids, high voltage AC and DC networks.Wind Power Integration; grid connection codes, impact on voltage and frequency stability, future power supply scenario planning, load managementSocio-Economics: impact on the environment, planning, public attitudes and acceptance, impact on the economy, cost, market regulation and impact on rate of deployment, sustainable development in developed and developing economies