Postgraduate research opportunities Aerodynamic modelling of the X-Rotor offshore wind turbine concept
ApplyKey facts
- Opens: Friday 13 June 2025
- Deadline: Tuesday 30 September 2025
- Number of places: 1
- Duration: 4 years
- Funding: Home fee, Stipend, Travel costs
Overview
The X-Rotor is a radical offshore wind turbine concept that has potantial to reduce the levelised cost of energy from offshore wind by 20-30%. The concept combines a vertical axis promary rotor with horizontal axis secondary rotors to reduce both capital cost and maintenance costs of offshore wind energy. 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.Eligibility
This fully funded four-year studentship (covering 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. To apply, submit a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts to j.carroll@strath.ac.uk and drew.smith@strath.ac.uk.
Project Details
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 second cohort of the EnergHy programme which commences in October 2025.
Development of the concept has been funded by the EU H2020 programme, EPSRC, the Royal Academy of Engineering and industrial partners.
Aims & objectives
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. Levilised cost of energy modelling may also be included to determine the impact of high density wind farm potential.
Funding details
A fully funded four-year studentship (covering fees, stipend, and travel budget).
While there is no funding in place for opportunities marked "unfunded", there are lots of different options to help you fund postgraduate research. Visit funding your postgraduate research for links to government grants, research councils funding and more, that could be available.
Apply
To apply, submit a CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts to j.carroll@strath.ac.uk and drew.smith@strath.ac.uk.
Number of places: 1
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