Next-Generation Wind Turbulence Modelling with AI Integration (ReNU+24/EE/MCE/SHEN)

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year training programme that has been designed to maximise the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The start date is 1st October 2025. 

Are you passionate about combating climate change through innovative renewable energy solutions? Join us in revolutionising wind energy technology through an exciting PhD project that combines cutting-edge aerodynamics, artificial intelligence, and real-world industry collaboration.

Project Overview:

Wind energy is crucial for achieving net-zero carbon emissions, yet current wind turbines face significant challenges. Modern turbines, often exceeding 200m in height, experience complex wind turbulence patterns that existing models struggle to predict—leading to up to 25% discrepancy in turbulence intensity calculations. This significantly affects turbine lifespan predictions and underestimates maintenance costs.

This research project, aims to develop next-generation wind turbulence models through:

• Advanced Wind Tunnel Research: You’ll conduct sophisticated experiments using Northumbria University’s state-of-the-art facilities with enhanced fan control systems, capturing high-resolution data on complex turbulence patterns.
• AI-Driven Analysis: Working with Newcastle University’s AI team, you’ll apply cutting-edge machine learning techniques, including transfer learning and energy-aware optimisers, to uncover hidden patterns in experimental and field data.
• Reality Validation: You’ll test and refine models using real-world open data from wind farms, ensuring practical impact in the renewable energy sector.

What You’ll Gain:

• Cutting-Edge Expertise: Develop skills in aerodynamics, AI/machine learning, and computational modelling while working with leading experts across two prestigious universities.
• Environmental Impact: Contribute to making wind energy more efficient and reliable, directly supporting the global transition to sustainable energy.

Research Environment:

You’ll be based at Northumbria University Aerodynamic Laboratory (NUAL), with access to:

• Advanced wind tunnel facilities for experimental work
• Advanced Power Electronics Laboratory for motor and fan control
• State-of-the-art GPU computing resources for AI model development in Newcastle University
• Collaborative workspace in a vibrant research environment
• Support from an interdisciplinary supervisory team across Northumbria and Newcastle universities

This project offers a unique opportunity to develop expertise in renewable energy technology. You’ll join a supportive research community dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovative engineering and AI applications.

This project is supervised by Dr Shaun Shen, Dr Haimeng Wu and Dr Stephen McGough. For informal queries, please contact shaun.shen@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement. However, a 3 or 2:2 may be considered with relevant work experience, skills and/or expertise, please contact the Institution Director, vincent.barrioz@northumbria.ac.uk for further info.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
• Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must: 

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.   

Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence. Note the following are not covered by the studentship. 

• Immigration Health Surcharge https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
• Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
• Costs associated with English Language requirements.

International applicants (including EU) must have valid immigration permissions to live and study in UK if they wish to study on a part-time basis. Northumbria University does not sponsor part-time student visas.

For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/    

Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+24/…) and also:

1. Upload degree certificates, transcripts and English qualifications (if applicable).
2. Upload your CV under the ‘Experience section’. This is MANDATORY.
3. In the personal statement section, select ‘no’ and type ‘no personal statement required’ in the box.
4. Research proposal is NOT required. Upload a blank document to progress your application. Choose ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Are you applying for a UKRI studentship?’ and then choose ‘EPSRC ReNU Plus’.
5. Choose ‘Scholarship’ under source of funding.
6. Post submission, you need to login to the applicant portal to complete a competency assessment form.

We have limited number of International awards available. Note that up to 5 offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University.

Deadline for applications: 3 February 2025 

Start date of course: 1 October 2025 

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.