Enhancing Reliability and Lifetime of Dry-Type Transformers in Renewable Energy Applications

Supervisory Team: Professor Paul Lewin and Dr George Callender

Offshore wind plays a crucial role in the UK’s electrical energy generation. To ensure security of supply, wind farms must remain available for connection to the transmission network and consistently meet their generation requirements. This project aims to enhance wind turbine reliability through the development of advanced condition‑monitoring diagnostic tools.

This project focuses on developing an improved understanding of failure modes in wind turbine dry‑type transformers. This is a multi-factor problem, and root causes of failure could be thermal, electrical, mechanical, chemical or environmental. Dry‑type transformers are generally considered reliable, but occasional failures do occur. When such failures happen offshore, both repair time and associated costs can be significant. After identifying the key measurands, the project will assess condition‑monitoring approaches to determine their practicality.

The next phase will involve developing a set of hardware and software tools that can provide asset managers with data to identify transformers showing signs of developing faults, enabling informed decisions about preventive maintenance or replacement. The project is sponsored by EDF Energy through the EPSRC IDLA scheme and there will be opportunities, after suitable training, to visit offshore windfarms. Specialist training (e.g. working in confined spaces) will be provided if required.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in electrical and electronic engineering.

Experience of working on practical applications, as well as using modelling and simulation tools are desirable.

Fees and funding

This project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Industrial Doctoral Landscape Awards (IDLA) 2026, with EDF Power Solutions Ltd.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Electronic & Electrical Engineering (7092)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• research proposal
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)