Internship | Aerodynamics of large wind turbines

Internship opportunity: Aerodynamics of large wind turbines

About this position

The assignment focusses on the aerodynamic optimization of very large wind turbines. Think of rotor diameters of 240 meter or even more which makes them the largest rotating machines in the world. One revolution of such gigantic machine delivers more electricity than the daily demand of an average household. At the same time social acceptance from on-shore wind turbines is hindered from noise concerns. The assignment may also include acoustic optimizations which make wind turbines more silent.

What will be your role?

You will work on the aerodynamics and acoustics of wind turbines. This can be done with in-house design codes from TNO or by means of measurements which TNO performs on full scale wind turbines or on model wind turbines in the wind tunnel. Your work will be carried out in the Wind Energy department of TNO with offices in Delft and Petten. Students are allowed to choose their preferred location as a base. You will be supervised by 1 or 2 wind energy experts.

What we expect from you

We are looking for MSc students in relevant areas, e.g. (Wind) Energy Technology, Aerospace Technology, Mechanical Engineering etc with the following characteristics:

• Enthusiasm for research and technology development;
• Interest in wind energy;
• Technical knowledge of wind turbines, aerodynamics and/or acoustics;
• Independent working attitude;
• Good knowledge of the English language;
• Available to work at least 32 hours for a period of 6 to 9 months.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

• Gerard Schepers
  Functie: stagecoordinator The research area of my lectorship is wind energy. The focus lies on technological aspects of wind energy, e.g. turbine technology and experimental techniques, as well as on social acceptance. These research areas are largely in line with those of the TNO unit Energy Transition, department Wind Energy. My lectorship at UAS Hanze is active since November 1, 2018. Prior to that, I was lector at UAS NHL in Leeuwarden since January 1, 2012. Email: gerard.schepers@tno.nl