Internship | Aeroelastic assessment of a wind turbine blade with a winglet
Location
PettenEducation type
university (wo)Type
Internship and graduation projectHours a week
Fulltime – 40Interested?
Apply now
One of the opportunities to further improve the design of modern wind turbine blades is to focus on the development of specific innovations for the blade tips. In this framework, designing wind turbine tips based on winglet-like shapes is a promising application. If properly designed indeed, such shapes can improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the rotor by reducing the tip losses. However, the aeroelastic performance of blades with winglets needs to be carefully verified to evaluate the effect that similar devices have on the structural loads. The standard aeroelastic blade design tools used by the industry are based on the blade element momentum (BEM) theory. BEM theory is a reliable and fast approach, but it is based on several simplifications which make it unsuitable to account for the complex aerodynamics of winglets. More advanced aerodynamic approaches, like Free Vortex Wake (FVW) methods, allow the modelling of those aerodynamic phenomena occurring around a winglet. Despite being more computationally expensive than BEM, FVW-based tools have become fast enough to be integrated in aeroelastic calculations.
What will be your role?
- Performing aeroelastic simulations of a real wind turbine rotor mounting these blades with winglets.
- Post-processing and critically analyzing the results based on the existing literature.
- Preparing an internship report describing the work performed and the results obtained.
The internship will be carried out in close collaboration with at least two TNO researchers and will offer the candidate the opportunity to be part of an international research group working on Wind Energy. The selected intern will also interact with engineers from a partner company.
How do you want to contribute to tomorrow's world? How big can your impact be? Come and work at TNO and envision it.
What we expect from you
- Knowledge of wind turbine aerodynamics and structural dynamics.
- Good analytical skills.
- Strong interest in wind turbine aeroelastic modelling.
- Experience with wind turbine aeroelastic modelling tools.
What you’ll get in return
TNO as an employer
At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.
The selection process
After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.
Due to Covid-19 and the consequent uncertainties and restrictions, students who are not residing in the Netherlands may currently not be able to start an internship or graduation project at TNO.
Has this job opening sparked your interest?
Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply now’ button.
Contact: Marco Caboni
Phone number: +31625714361
Interested?
Apply now