Postdoc/Senior postdoc position available. DEADLINE 26th February!
Control co-design for ocean energy conversion (LEAP-HI)
This collaborative research project aims to establish methodologies for an integrated design paradigm for wave energy devices, by testing and validating a radically new control co-design approach to create a mutually-efficient power take off and wave capture structure, with active mechanical motion rectification, co-optimization, and advanced control, to significantly improve the efficiency, increase the power output, and decrease the peak-to-average power ratio.
The project team is composed of experts in three countries on wave capture structure, power take-off, and control systems design who work closely together throughout the co-design process from early state of concept design, and component modelling, to system integration. The project partners include Queens University Belfast and Virginia Tech. The Maynooth University team will focus on control strategy.
Funded 4 year PhD position (€18.5k + expenses)
Control co-design for ocean energy conversion (LEAP-HI)
The PhD candidate will ideally be a graduate in mechanical/electrical/electronic/control engineering, naval architecture, or hydrodynamics. Ideally, he/she will possess a master’s degree, ideally with some specialisation in wave/renewable energy. Strong mathematical and programming skills will be needed, as well as an ability to co-supervise intern students.
The PhD student’s work will focus mainly on control-orientated mathematical model development. The PhD student will be employed on a 4-year structured PhD programme, with secondment to a project collaborator included as part of their structured training.
3 funded PhD positions (€18.5k + expenses + fees)
Economic wave energy through technical innovation (SeaChange)
This project proposes a combination of strategic technological improvements, with both broad applicability as well as specific device improvements, to effect a significant impact on the economic performance of wave energy systems and produce the step change needed to accelerate the technical and commercial development of wave power. Collaborators have been drawn from the University of Illinois (USA), CorPower Ocean AB (Sweden), National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL, USA) and TU Denmark.
The positions
A tax-free stipend of €18,500 per year is available, and PhD fees are also covered. The project also provides adequate funding for equipment, materials and travel (conferences, courses, etc), as well as secondment to project partners. The positions are tenable for a 4-year structured PhD.
Applicants should be well qualified to bachelors or master’s degree level (ideally H1) in one of the following areas: mechanical/mechatronic engineering, electronic engineering, control engineering, or exceptional students in applied maths or hydrodynamics may be considered. The project will be supervised by Prof. John Ringwood and will particularly suit candidates with an aptitude for control.
For further information contact Carrie Anne; CarrieAnne.Barry@mu.ie
