PhD Position (f/m/d) Lidar measurements and modelling of wind fields in the wind turbine inflow

PhD Position (f/m/d) Lidar measurements and modelling of wind fields in the wind turbine inflow

The design and operation of future large wind turbines require an in-depth understanding of the interaction between the turbulent wind in the atmosphere and the rotor. Therefore, we request you to scan the entire wind field in front of multi-megawatt wind turbines with a high spatial and temporal resolution using the laser-based technique lidar (light detection and ranging) and a unique setup of multiple measurement masts. The main objective of your PhD project is to improve models for turbulent wind fields and their interaction with wind turbines using free-field wind measurements with distinctive instrumentation (multiple lidars, meteorological and turbine sensors). TASK DESCRIPTION Among others, your tasks will comprise:

• conducting free-field measurement campaigns with the SpinnerLidar operating in the rotating hub (spinner) of a wind turbine
• data processing to combine lidar, meteorological and turbine operational data
• modelling of turbulent wind fields and their propagation in the turbine inflow
• active collaboration with colleagues on measurement techniques, numerical fluid dynamics and analytical modelling

JOB REQUIREMENTS The prerequisite is a qualifying university degree (diploma or master) in Physical Sciences, Meteorology, Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, Wind Energy or a similar field. The successful candidate is required to have:

• aptitude and willingness to pursue a PhD which combines experimental research and analytical modelling in fluid dynamics
• profound knowledge of at least two fields: experimental/numerical fluid dynamics, statistical analysis of large data amounts, measurement techniques (Career changers with strong analytical capabilities and experimental experience are encouraged to apply.)
• experience in programming using MATLAB or Python
• motivation and ability to effectively collaborate with a diverse and international team of researchers
• fluency in communicating and reporting in English

International experience gained during high school or university studies and German language capabilities are a plus. The University of Oldenburg is dedicated to increase the percentage of female employees in the field of science. Therefore, female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. In accordance with § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of equal qualification. Further, the university cares for a family-friendly working environment and offers a family service centre and children's daycare on campus. WE OFFER
Salary and contract The salary is according to the German public service salary scale TV-L E13 for a 75% position. The employment is initially limited to three years with an intention for further prolongation up to four years to facilitate a PhD. Cooperation, international trainings and PhD opportunity We offer you the opportunity to develop your scientific career in a young and lively academic environment. You will be working in the WindLab – one of the university's most modern office and lab spaces – while you will also have the opportunity for flexible and mobile work. The pathway towards the PhD is actively supported by, e.g.,

• multidisciplinary cooperation in our team Lidar & Wakes and with other research groups at ForWind in Oldenburg
• collaboration with our national and international partners in research and industry
• optional secondment at an international research institute
• development of personal, scientific, and teaching skills through an individual training programme and selected teaching tasks
• opportunities to present scientific results at international meetings and conferences to build your specific network
• structured supervision of PhD process

Research environment at ForWind – University of Oldenburg Wind energy research at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg has gained international recognition by its integration into ForWind – Center for Wind Energy Research of the Universities of Oldenburg, Hannover and Bremen and into the national Wind Energy Research Alliance of the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy Systems (IWES) and ForWind. At ForWind we maintain and value collaboration with partner institutions such as the members of the European Academy of Wind Energy as well as within our individual research groups. In Oldenburg, our 50 researchers from the fields of physics, meteorology and engineering are collaborating at the »Research Laboratory for Turbulence and Wind Energy Systems« centred on wind physics. Our mission is to develop the improved understanding of atmospheric and wind power plant flow physics required to serve the global demand for clean and affordable electricity. Therefore, we conduct laboratory experiments, free-field measurements and HPC-based numerical simulations. Main topics include the description and modelling of wind turbulence, the analysis of interactions of turbulent atmospheric wind flow and wind energy systems, as well as control of wind turbines and wind farms. The covered scales range from small-scale turbulence up to meteorological phenomena. Our research facilities comprise three turbulent wind tunnels, various equipment for free-field measurements at on- and offshore wind farms and a high-performance computing cluster. Our multi-lidar systems, equipped with up to three scanning lidars, are particularly important for the research mentioned above. APPLICATIONS Submit your application, preferably electronically, as one PDF file no later than 19.03.2023 to wesys.bewerbungen@uni-oldenburg.de including reference #AP83. The pdf file must include either in English or German:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Employment references
• A one-page research statement. The applicants are requested to present their notion of the field of the advertised PhD topic and some initial ideas to tackle it. Alternatively, a more general problem of interest in experimental fluid dynamics or wind energy utilisation might be addressed.

An optional attachment is a second PDF file containing the final thesis of the studies or relevant research papers (if available). In case of questions regarding this job offer, please contact Prof. Dr. Martin Kühn (martin.kuehn@uol.de).