Internship | Master thesis project: degradation modelling techniques for offshore power system components

Introduction
As the world strives to achieve its sustainability ambitions through rapid offshore wind energy developments, innovation in wind farm operations and maintenance (O&M) offers a major opportunity to reduce the cost of clean energy production. Degradation modelling of offshore assets plays a large part in this reduction, as it allows for the creation of increasingly sophisticated O&M strategies that can adapt to technological and market-related challenges.

With more advanced tools and techniques to model component degradation mechanisms, asset owners could make reliable prognoses of the remaining useful life of key components, allowing them to schedule condition-based preventive maintenance interventions that reduce the risk of downtime (i.e. loss of revenue) while avoiding the costs of unnecessary care. Similar approaches are relatively well established in the offshore Oil & Gas sector thanks to the long experience acquired in the past century. But this is not yet (fully) the case for offshore wind, where high-quality asset management research is required to expand current modelling capabilities while dealing with the challenges of availability, quality, quantity, and ownership of operational data.

At the Wind Energy (WE) expertise group of TNO we aim to make wind energy a reliable, integrated, and cost-effective source of renewable energy that is widely accepted by the public. Our Installation and O&M (IO&M) team has years of experience in the modelling and optimization of offshore wind IO&M strategies. This knowledge and experience drives the development of cutting-edge modelling tools like UWiSE, a discrete event simulation engine that supports offshore wind IO&M decision-making. With UWiSE, we help the industry design and develop improved O&M solutions for offshore wind and hybrid assets, that contribute to accelerating the energy transition. Do you want to join us in building a more sustainable future?


What will be your role?
In this project, you will:

• Study and review Markov chain mechanics and degradation models;
• Develop a degradation modelling tool for offshore wind (and floating solar) components, to optimize maintenance and inspection intervals;
• Integrate the new tool into our state-of-the-art O&M simulation suite UWiSE;
• Test the performance of the model under different O&M scenarios and perform a parameter sensitivity study.

Ultimately, your work will facilitate the design and business case assessment of smarter O&M strategies for more effective and efficient offshore asset management.

Your work will be carried out in the Wind Energy group of TNO, in close cooperation with TU Delft’s Wind Energy section at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering. Although you are not expected to work full-time from a TNO office, it is required to have physical meetings at the Delft office at least once every two weeks. In any case, you will be remotely co-supervised by two or three TNO experts and an academic supervisor.

The Wind Energy group of TNO houses approximately 60 enthusiastic, academic professionals who have in-depth knowledge of wind energy technology. Your activities will be connected to a multi-partner project in which TNO is participating, and the results of this work will be a permanent addition to our O&M simulation toolset. The expected time to complete the project is around 9 months.

We are looking for students with a relevant STEM degree (e.g. mathematics/physics, mechanical/aerospace engineering, or sustainable energy technology), currently enrolled in an MSc program and with the following
prerequisites:

• Enthusiasm for research and technology development.
• Highly motivated to work within the renewable energy industry or academia.
• Interest in asset management and component degradation modelling.
• Strong programming skills. Knowledge of Python is an advantage.
• Experience with data processing and stochastic analysis.
• Independent working attitude.
• Good knowledge of the English language.

Assertive students who are in good academic standing are encouraged to apply. The selection process will start immediately. The intended start date is September 2023, with some flexibility to start later during the fall of 2023. If you wish to apply and/or further discuss the project, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you feel that you are the one we are looking for, please submit your CV and motivation letter in English.

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about 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.

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.