Active control is becoming increasingly important for the wind energy community. If we compare the `old' stall-controlled turbines with today's individual pitch-controlled turbines, we see that the loads can be reduced, leading to lighter or larger turbines. However, limited actuator bandwidth and component fatigue impose constraints on the pitch system. Due to the increasing size and cost of wind turbines and the limitations of individual pitch control, control engineering is becoming a critical enabling technology. New control concepts are necessary which can deal with the distributed nature of turbulence, and guarantee an economic lifetime of 20 years for the next generation of offshore wind turbines (diameter over 150 meters).
One novel concept is to use a number of control devices that locally change the forces on the wind turbine blade. The success of distributed load reduction greatly depends on the selection of appropriate sensors that measure the loads, and a controller that processes the measured signals and generates the actuation signals. In this project we focus on the development and validation of an advanced time-varying control methodology (such as Model Based Gain Scheduled Robust Control, or Data Driven Robust Control), and investigate how much performance (power production vs. loads) can be improved compared to classical time-invariant, state-of-the-art-designs. Furthermore, we investigate how the optimal performance depends on the number of actuators and sensors we use (Individual Pitch Control vs ‘Smart’ rotor).
Requirements
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University Graduate
We are looking for a candidate with an MSc degree in systems and control, wind energy or aerodynamics. The candidate is expected to be interested in building up the necessary experimental infrastructure for validating and prototyping the new algorithmic developments.
Organization
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Delft University of Technology Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognized level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.
The Delft Centre for Systems and Control (DCSC) coordinates the education and research activities in systems and control at Delft University of Technology. The Centre’s research mission is to conduct theoretical research for eventual application in the areas of system analysis, optimization, control theory and signal processing. Applications include mechatronics and microsystems, sustainable industrial processes, transportation and traffic control, and physical imaging systems. The group actively participates in the Dutch Institute of Systems and Control (DISC).The Delft University of Technology is a European leader in research on wind energy. The university has a long tradition of conducting multidisciplinary research projects, integrating different university departments for fundamental research in aerodynamics, material sciences, control engineering and civil engineering. Within these pioneering research efforts there is also a longstanding tradition of collaboration with other esteemed research laboratories and industries in the field. The research position will be situated in the Delft Centre of Systems and Control, part of the Mechanical Engineering faculty.
This project is sponsored by VESTAS. A close interaction with this world leader in wind turbine development and design will provide a stimulus for high quality, fundamental research with industrial relevance.
Conditions of employment
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Estimated maximum salary per month: eur 2500 - 3000
Maximum salary amount in Euro's a month 2612
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: Four years
Maximum hours per week: 38
Additional conditions of employment:
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customized compensation and benefits package (the 'IKA'). Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Ir. J.W. van Wingerden, phone: +31 (0)15-2781720, e-mail:
Application-3mE@tudelft.nl. If you are interested in this position, send a detailed curriculum vitae, a letter of application explaining why the proposed research topic interests you, a publication list (if applicable), your BSc and MSc course programme and transcripts, names and addresses of three reference persons, and all other information that might be relevant to your application. Please e-mail your application materials by 1 March, 2009 to Mrs. M. de Groot, HR Advisor,
Application-3mE@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number 3ME08-53.
Additional Information
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Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from:
Dr. Ir. J.W. van Wingerden
Telephone number: +31 (0)15-2781720
E-mail address:
Application-3mE@tudelft.nl
You can apply for this job before 01-03-2009 by sending your application to:
Mrs. M. de Groot, HR Advisor
E-mail address:
Application-3mE@tudelft.nl
