Enhanced economics of gigawatt scale offshore wind farms through high-fidelity wake modelling

About the Project

Optimising wind turbine layout and foundation design is critical to enhancing the economics of large-scale offshore wind energy projects. Prediction of the localised turbulent wind conditions onset to each turbine location is a key input to determine turbine energy yield, operation point and foundation costs. However, such predictions are complicated by disturbances to the mean- and unsteady-flow introduced by the presence of other turbines. This issue is addressed within the current generation of design codes through simplified analytical or empirical models. It is known that these can produce conservative outcomes. Improved prediction tools offer the opportunity for increased confidence in energy yield forecasts and reduction of capital costs. As wind turbines increase in size and wind farms move towards multi-gigawatt scale, use of advanced flow models has potential to unlock critical savings in the design process. This project will allow this potential to be explored and quantified, making use of University of Manchester's existing world class high fidelity modelling frameworks to provide detailed characterisations of design conditions for large scale turbine arrays. The developed models and understanding will be used alongside standard flow models and as input to structural design models to quantify the potential impact on key drivers of offshore wind farm economics. Specifically the impact of advanced wake models on wind farm energy yield forecasts, hence revenue, and turbine foundation design, and costs will be assessed.

This project is in collaboration with Arup Ltd. who are committed to delivering EDI excellence: see Inclusion at Arup.

Eligibility

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.

Funding

This 4-year PhD project is fully funded and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend, of £27,500 in 2026/27 academic year, and tuition fees will be paid. The start date is October 2026.

Funds to support this studentship project will be delivered through an EPSRC iCASE (Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award) 2026 in collaboration with Arup Group Ltd.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.

Before you apply

For informal discussion regarding the PhD supervisors can be contacted by email: Tim.Stallard@manchester.ac.uk or Pablo.Ouro@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.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).

This project is in collaboration with Arup Ltd. who are committed to delivering EDI excellence: see Inclusion at Arup (link to https://www.arup.com/careers/inclusion-at-arup/)

Funding Notes

This 4-year PhD project is fully funded and home students are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend, of £27,500 in 2026/27 academic year, and tuition fees will be paid. The start date is October 2026.

Funds to support this studentship project will be delivered through an EPSRC iCASE (Industrial Doctoral Landscape Award) 2026 in collaboration with Arup Group Ltd.

We recommend that you apply early as the advert may be removed before the deadline.