PhD: Aeroacoustic optimization of urban ducted wind turbines

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's largest faculties devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. In the Netherlands it is the only research and education institute directly related to the aerospace engineering sector. It covers the whole spectrum of aerospace engineering subjects. In aeronautics, the faculty covers subjects ranging from aerodynamics and flight propulsion to structures and materials and from control and simulation to air transport and operations. In astronautics, topics include astrodynamics, space missions and space systems engineering. The faculty has around 2,500 BSc and MSc students, 214 PhD candidates and 27 professors supported by scientific staff.

The faculty's mission is to be the best Aerospace Engineering faculty in the world, inspiring and educating students through modern education techniques and enabling staff to perform ambitious research of the highest quality for the future of aerospace. The working atmosphere at the faculty is friendly, open-minded and dedicated.

The Department of Aerodynamics, Wind Energy and Flight Performance and Propulsion (AWEP) is one of four departments composing Aerospace Engineering. Fundamental research is performed in the Aerodynamics section. Aircraft design, propulsion systems and their integration are the main topics in the FPP section. Wind energy systems, from small wind turbines to large offshore farms, are the objective of the research of the Wind Energy Section. The department operates comprehensive laboratories, equipped with modern wind tunnels and state-of-the-art measurement systems.

The Wind Energy Section facilitates the development of wind energy technology and the expansion of the use of wind power through research and education.

In its research activities there is a focus on large multi megawatt offshore wind turbines and offshore wind farms, though urban and airborne wind power is also addressed. Both technology development aspects as well as fundamental aspects are present in the research program. With respect to educational courses, the BSc and MSc level are offered for Aerospace students, SET students and for the European Wind Energy Master (EWEM) students.      

Functie omschrijving

Ducted wind turbines have shown to reduce the effect of gusts and incoming turbulence by locally increasing the wind velocity at the rotor, while reducing the effective rotor area, allowing for a better employment of the available energy of the wind. This entails building a relatively faster wind turbine with higher rotor speeds, causing a net increase of noise. By optimally designing the gaps between the duct and the turbine, as well by slightly unbalancing the blade vortices, it is possible to increase the flow momentum recovered behind the turbine, allowing for more compact wind turbine farms. The PhD research will focus on the combined aerodynamic and aeroacoustic optimization of a ducted wind turbine, by using both high fidelity simulations and experimental work. The main parameters of interest for the research will focus upon:

• design and study of the duct and diffuser parts, in order to maintain max lift performance at the blade level without affecting the generated noise. Study of mitigations solutions for the gap regions will be considered;

• airfoil optimization for the relatively lower Re and higher speeds encountered in ducted turbines. Study of the physical 3D loading distribution and phenomena will be carried out towards an optimal airfoil employment.

Functie eisen

The PhD position is granted by the Marie Skłodowska Curie ETN Zephyr project. Mobility requirements apply to this position. Researchers can be of any nationality. They are required to undertake trans national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. The location of the researcher’s residence or main activities during the 3 years prior to their recruitment is determining. The PhD candidate is going to be hired by TU Delft (NL), therefore the candidate is eligible to be recruited if he/she has resided or carried out his/her main activity outside of the Netherlands for more than 24 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment.

The candidate should have a MSc degree in an area relevant to the subject, e.g. aerospace engineering, (applied) physics, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, materials or mechanical engineering. A combination of good mathematical/analytical skills and a strong interest in performing experiments and fluency in English is required. A solid knowledge of signal processing and advanced programming skills are advantageous for this position.

The multidisciplinary topics addressed in zEPHYR are scientifically challenging and of high technological and economical relevance, promising interesting career perspectives in academic and multi-sectorial industrial environments. The zEPHYR partners do strictly adhere to the ethical standards of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers . Female scientists are particularly encouraged to apply. A strict equal opportunity, gender-neutral and internationally comparable recruitment procedure is implemented. Candidates cannot hold a doctorate degree and should be within 4 years of obtaining their MSc qualification.

Arbeidsvoorwaarden

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. You will have 232 hours of paid leave each year and in addition to your salary, at TU Delft you will receive an annual holiday allowance of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% of your salary. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.