Research Assistant / Associate in Experimental Aerodynamics of Wind Turbines and Wind Farms

Location: Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College, South Kensington, London

Job Summary

We are looking to appoint one researcher to join the EU Horizons-funded ICONIC project, working with Dr Kevin Gouder and Professor Mike Graham. The specific position focuses on wind tunnel experiments of scaled wind turbines in a scaled atmospheric boundary layer, first generating data for training a Digital Twin (DT), and subsequently implementing the DT as a real-time wind farm control experiment in the wind tunnel, aiming for farm coordinated control for increased power output and lower rotor loads.

Duties and responsibilities

You will join the EU Horizons-funded project ICONIC, of which the Department of Aeronautics is a partner, through Dr Kevin Gouder and Professor Mike Graham. The overarching aim of the project is to develop AI innovations and digital tools for wind farms to provide more stable, resilient, secure, reliable and affordable wind energy.

The role will focus on the design, implementation and execution of a series of wind tunnel experiments, with scaled wind turbine rotors in a scaled Atmospheric Boundary Layer. Data from these experiments are used to train a Physics Informed Neural Network (PINN) Digital Twin (DT) being developed by one of ICONIC’s partners. Subsequently the DT is implemented as a real-time control wind tunnel experiment involving an array of wind turbine rotors, with the aim of farm coordinated control (as opposed to “greedy strategy” (individual turbines set to maximise only their own energy capture) commonly employed) for increased power output and lower rotor loads.  

Essential requirements

Research Associate level

Hold a PhD (or equivalent) in Aerodynamics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research or industrial experience.

Research Assistant level

A first / Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerodynamics or a closely related discipline, or equivalent research or industrial experience.

In addition, candidates will:

• Have a strong background in experimental aerodynamics, in wind tunnel experiments, in instrumentation, and in experimental measurement techniques such as PIV.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as good social skills.
• Ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines, and to work with minimal supervision.

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant. 

Further Information

This position is full-time and runs for a maximum of 24 months.

For informal queries candidates are welcome to contact Dr Kevin Gouder kevin.gouder04@imperial.ac.uk and Professor Michael Graham, m.graham@imperial.ac.uk .

For technical issues when applying online please email recruitment@imperial.ac.uk

For queries regarding the recruitment process please contact Lisa Kelly: l.kelly@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: 26^th May 2024

To apply, visit www.imperial.ac.uk/jobs and search by the job reference ENG03104.

Advert information