About the project
Offshore wind plays a crucial role in the UK’s electrical energy generation. To ensure security of supply, wind farms must remain available for connection to the transmission network and consistently meet their generation requirements. This project aims to enhance wind turbine reliability through the development of advanced condition‑monitoring diagnostic tools.
This project focuses on developing an improved understanding of failure modes in wind turbine dry‑type transformers. This is a multi-factor problem, and root causes of failure could be thermal, electrical, mechanical, chemical or environmental. Dry‑type transformers are generally considered reliable, but occasional failures do occur. When such failures happen offshore, both repair time and associated costs can be significant. After identifying the key measurands, the project will assess condition‑monitoring approaches to determine their practicality.
The next phase will involve developing a set of hardware and software tools that can provide asset managers with data to identify transformers showing signs of developing faults, enabling informed decisions about preventive maintenance or replacement. The project is sponsored by EDF Energy through the EPSRC IDLA scheme and there will be opportunities, after suitable training, to visit offshore windfarms. Specialist training (e.g. working in confined spaces) will be provided if required.
The School of Electronics and Computer Science 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.
