PhD Studentship: Development and Characterisation of High Thermal Conductivity Insulation Systems for Offshore Wind Generator Windings

This 3.5-year PhD studentship is open to Home (UK) applicants. The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£21,805 for 2026/27; subject to annual uplift), and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year. EU students with settled or pre-settled status and international student can apply but their application eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

The start date is October 2026.

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

This PhD project aims to develop and characterise advanced insulation systems with enhanced thermal conductivity, specifically designed to improve heat transfer within generator windings while maintaining electrical, mechanical, and environmental performance. By targeting the root causes of thermal bottlenecks, the project aims to enable higher current-carrying capabilities and slow the insulation degradation due to thermal ageing, ultimately enhancing generator reliability and lifespan.

The research will begin with a systematic investigation of existing insulation systems to identify key thermal limitations and their impact on winding performance. This will involve literature review, industrial benchmarking, and baseline experimental characterisation of conventional insulation materials. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationship between thermal conductivity, temperature distribution, and ageing behaviour under representative operating conditions.

Building on this foundation, the core of the project will focus on the design and development of novel thermally enhanced insulation materials. Potential approaches include incorporating thermally conductive fillers, developing advanced polymer composites, and optimising resin systems compatible with established manufacturing processes, such as vacuum pressure impregnation. A key challenge will be achieving significant improvements in thermal conductivity without compromising dielectric strength, partial discharge resistance, or mechanical integrity of the insulation systems.

Comprehensive multi-physics characterisation will be conducted to evaluate the developed materials. Thermal conductivity measurements will directly correlate with heat dissipation capability, while electrical testing will ensure robust insulation performance under high-voltage stress. Mechanical properties, including resistance to vibration and thermal cycling, will also be assessed to ensure suitability for demanding offshore operating conditions. Environmental stability, including resistance to humidity, salt exposure, and temperature variations, will form an integral part of the evaluation.

A major component of the project will focus on accelerated ageing studies under combined thermal and electrical stress. These experiments will replicate realistic offshore operating conditions and provide insight into the mechanisms of insulation degradation. By linking improved thermal properties to reduced ageing rates, the research will establish a clear relationship between material innovation and enhanced reliability.

In the final phase, experimental results will be integrated with thermal and system-level modelling of offshore wind generators. This will enable quantitative assessment of performance improvements, including increased allowable current density, reduced hotspot temperatures, improved efficiency, and extended service lifetime. These outcomes will provide design-relevant insights into how advanced insulation systems can be implemented in practical generator designs.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

We strongly recommend that you contact the main supervisor, Dr Chen - lujia.chen@manchester.ac.uk, for this project before you apply. 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.

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