PhD position in the research group Fundamentals of Turbulence and Complex Systems (TuCS)

About us

The position is part of the project “Wind&Regio”, funded by the EU in the framework of the INTERREG A-program.
The “Wind&Regio” project aims to increase the efficiency of small wind turbines in the 10kW to 20kW class. Our contribution to this project is mainly the development of a mechanical pitch mechanism without any active control and motors for such turbines to increase the performance especially in the lower wind speed range.  

Your tasks

The successful candidate will be responsible for the development and validation of the mechanical pitch mechanism. For this, different concepts must be designed and evaluated in terms of their feasibility and reliability. The work combines simulations based on engineering models and experiments in the wind tunnel at the University of Oldenburg. The wind tunnel is equipped with state-of-the-art measurement technology including multiple hot-wires, Laser-Doppler-Anemometry and Particle Image Velocimetry as well as pressure sensors and force balances. In addition, the wind tunnel can be used with an active grid to investigate the impact of different turbulent inflow conditions on the mechanism. Within the project a prototype of developed pitch mechanism should be tested in the wind tunnel. 

To reach the goal of the project, the PhD student will work in a research team with experienced members in the fields of wind tunnel experiments, active grids, and all above mentioned measurement techniques as well as data and stochastic analysis. In this environment, the candidate will receive best training with state-of-the-art equipment and the latest developments e.g., active grid control.

Your profile

Prerequisite is a qualifying university degree (diploma or master) in engineering, physics, or an equivalent course of studies. Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is a prerequisite. German language skills are an advantage. Practical expertise in experimental investigations, hot-wire anemometry, optical measurement techniques like LDA and PIV, as well as experience in LabView programming, is desired. Experience with data analysis, programming tools such as Python and/or MATLAB as well as Bladed, QBlade, FAST or any other comparable program is of interest.

Our standards

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 to § 21 Section 3 NHG, female candidates with equal qualifications will be preferentially considered. Applicants with disabilities will be given preference in case of equal qualification.