About the project
Tidal turbines need to reduce their cost of energy and novel blade designs can be employed to do this taking inspiration from nature, wind energy and the aviation sector.
The freestream tidal energy industry is still in its infancy with some full-scale commercial demonstrator devices in operation. Costs are still high relative to comparable forms of power generation, but it is thought that there are further advantages of tidal energy in that the flow can be constrained locally around the seabed, water surface and other devices to increase power output.
This PhD will investigate novel blade designs that can be used to enhance power capture. It will initially build upon existing experimental research conducted at Southampton regarding blade winglets whilst also potentially expanding to alternative geometric modifications inspired by nature and related engineering applications. Work will be conducted in collaboration with industrial partner Proteus Marine Renewables.
This is an analytical, numerical and experimental-based research project. For the latter, various experimental facilities will be used. Smaller-scale works will be conducted in our recirculating flumes and water channels whilst larger-scale mechanical turbines will be tested in the largest UK University-operated towing tank at our Boldrewood innovation campus.
The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
