"PhD Studentship: Aerodynamic Modelling of the X-Rotor Offshore Wind Turbine Concept"

The Engineering Hydrogen NetZero (EnerHy) CDT is an EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) focusing on research and training in the areas of Hydrogen and Wind Energy. The University of Strathclyde will lead the wind energy training and research elements of the programme. Funded by EPSRC, this 4 year PhD studentship, at the University of Strathclyde is in the area of novel wind turbine concept development with a focus on aerodynamics. The role is for the 2nd cohort of the EnergHy programme which commences in October 2025.

The X-Rotor is a radical offshore wind turbine concept that has potential to reduce the levelised cost of energy from offshore wind by 20-30%. The concept combines a vertical axis primary rotor with horizontal axis secondary rotors to reduce both capital cost and maintenance costs of offshore wind energy. Development of the concept has been funded by the EU H2020 programme www.xrotor-project.eu, EPSRC, the Royal Academy of Engineering and industrial partners. Other benefits of the X-Rotor concept include greater potential for high density wind farms, floating wind and wind energy at low wind speed sites.

The overall aim of this research is to determine whether the 3 bladed X-Rotor concept can allow for reduced turbine spacing in offshore wind farms. The work will quantify that reduction and determine its impact. The PhD will include aerodynamic and CFD modelling of the X-Rotor concept. It may also include wind tunnel testing depending on the candidate recruited. Levelised cost of energy modelling may also be included to determine the impact of high density wind farm potential.

This 4 year fully funded studentship (Fees, Stipend and travel budget) is open to applicants with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in any Engineering discipline, Physics or Maths.