Institute of the Sustainable World - PhD Studentship
Evaluating the impact of wave farms on coastal processes
School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering
PhD Title Evaluating the impact of wave farms on coastal processes
Subject Hydrodynamics, physical processes and numerical modelling
Supervisors Prof. Trevor Whittaker, Dr Matt Folley
Start date July - September 2009
Project summary
For ocean wave energy to make an important contribution to the production of power from non-fossil fuel sources then it will need to be deployed in wave farms that extend a number of kilometres along the coastline and extract relatively large amounts of energy. As the amount of energy extracted increases the potential for significant changes in coastal processes also increases, which will limit the acceptable amount of energy extraction by the wave farm. Currently, the impact of wave farms have been numerically modelled using a single parameter to define the wave farm characteristics. Whilst this provides an initial estimate of the impact of a wave farm it is not able to account effectively for different types of wave energy converters and the wave farm layout.
This project involves development of the open source spectral wave model SWAN to include wave farms as modifiable absorption layers, where the energy extracted, transmitted and reflected will depend on the type and configuration of wave farm. The numerical model will be used to analyse the effect of different types of wave energy converters and wave farm configurations on the local coastal processes. The results of these analyses will enable guidance to be provided regarding the limit of energy extract by a wave farm, together with how this is affected by the type of wave energy converter and wave farm configuration.
Aims
* To extend the SWAN source code to include the representation of wave farms as modifiable absorption layers
* To model a range of wave energy converters and wave farm configurations using the modified SWAN code
* To analyse the effect of a range of wave energy converters and wave farm configurations on coastal processes
* To produce guidance on the maximum acceptable energy extraction of a wave farm and how this is affected by the local site conditions and the design of the wave farm
Methodology
* The SWAN source code will be extended using standard software development tools and techniques to enable code verification and portability
* The characteristics of the wave energy converters and wave farm configurations will be developed with reference to the literature and physical model data, where this is available
* The effect of wave farm deployment on a straight coastline with parallel depth contours will be modelled to provide some initial generic guidance
* The effect of wave farm deployment on at least 3 potential sites in the UK will be modelled to refine the generic guidance and deepen understanding of the significant of site specific characteristics on the wave farm impact
Applications are welcome from candidates with a 1st class or upper second class honours degree in relevant disciplines. The successful candidate will be eligible for a 3-year studentship (at the current UK Research Councils rate of £13,290 per annum for students commencing in 2009-10) and coverage of approved university tuition fees. This studentship is available to home and overseas students.
To apply, refer to www.qub.ac.uk/home/Research/PostgraduateOffice/PostgraduateA wards or phone 028 9097 4214. The deadline for applications for funded positions is 27 March 2009.
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