PhD Scholarship in Wind speed modelling and anemometry

The FLOW research group is a young, dynamic group working in the fields of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and data-driven modelling. At the Department of Engineering Technology (INDI) — Thermo and Fluid Dynamics (FLOW), there is now a vacancy for a PhD research position starting 1 October 2021.

At FLOW, we have a unique expertise in both physical and data-driven modelling of thermal-fluid systems. In this project, the focus is on using data-driven techniques for wind speed modelling.

The goal of this project is to develop a framework for realistic, high-fidelity surrogate time series of wind data, while fully accounting for the fact that wind is

• nonstationary, in the sense that the signal characteristics change over time, and that these changes happen at different time scales,
• multivariate, with an inherent interdependence between the variables, and
• nonlinear, in the sense that the superposition principle cannot be used to predict how different flow features interact.

The candidate will first need to understand several modelling tools that are used in our group, and centre around the generation of univariate time-series that conform to a prespecified non-Gaussian probability density function and a prespecified power spectral density. These tools will then be extended to the multivariate case. Applications will be investigated both within and outside the field of wind energy.

Furthermore, the candidate will be expected to apply for external funding, to write, submit, and follow up on articles, and actively participate in scientific conferences.

The candidate will be expected to assist in the teaching of lab work and exercise sessions of undergraduate courses in mechanical engineering, as well as the supervision of undergraduate student projects.