Bath Engineering & Design Studentships: Robust Control of Magnetically Levitated Wind Turbines
ThisprojectisoneofanumberincompetitionforastudentshipfromtheFacultyofEngineeringandDesignattheUniversityofBath.Ifsuccessful,thisstudentshipisexpectedtocommence04October2027.
AnalternativestartdatemaybepossibleifagreedwithyourintendedsupervisorsandtheDoctoralCollege.
Project Description
The transition towards low-carbon energy requires wind-energy technologies with increased efficiency, reliability and operational lifespan. Magnetic levitation offers potential for wind-energy systems by providing contactless rotor support, reducing friction, mechanical wear and maintenance requirements (1–4). These characteristics make magnetic bearing technologies particularly relevant to the development of efficient and reliable wind-energy systems.However, magnetic levitation introduces additional challenges associated with rotor dynamics. The low mechanical damping associated with contactless support can increase susceptibility to vibration, instability and external disturbances. In active magnetic bearing systems, controllers are employed to regulate the rotor position and maintain contact-free operation (1, 3, 4). Variations in rotational speed and aerodynamic loading introduce further dynamic uncertainties, requiring control strategies capable of maintaining satisfactory performance over a range of operating conditions (3–6).This project will investigate advanced control strategies for magnetically levitated wind turbines, with particular emphasis on robust control. Mathematical models describing the dynamic behaviour of the magnetic levitation system will be developed and used to design control strategies for rotor stabilisation, vibration attenuation and disturbance rejection under uncertain and variable operating conditions.Particular attention will be given to the nonlinear electromagnetic forces associated with magnetic bearings. Suitable nonlinear system representations will be considered to account explicitly for these effects within the control design. Robust control methods for nonlinear systems, including Lur’e system formulations and LMI-based stability and control conditions, provide a framework for addressing nonlinearities and model uncertainty (7, 8).The project provides an opportunity to combine renewable-energy applications with dynamic modelling and advanced control design. The outcomes will contribute to ongoing research on magnetically levitated wind turbines and provide a basis for the future implementation and experimental validation of advanced control strategies on prototype systems.
Entry Requirements
Applicants from Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronics, Control Engineering or other relevant engineering disciplines are encouraged to apply. An interest in dynamic systems, control, magnetic levitation systems and renewable-energy applications is desirable. Experience with mathematical modelling, system simulation, MATLAB/Simulink, Python or related computational tools would be advantageous.
Applicants must have, or be about to obtain, a UK Honours degree 1st or 2.1, or international equivalent. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.
Non-UK applicants, who are not currently studying in the UK, must meet the programme’s English language requirement before the application deadline – no exceptions will be considered.
Fees
Applicants will be considered for a studentship. Studentships cover tuition fees, provide a £1k per annum training support fee, and a maintenance stipend (£21,805 2026/27 rate). International students will be required to cover the cost of a Student visa and Immigration Health Surcharge from personal funds.
Who is eligible to apply?
The Faculty of Engineering and Design at the University of Bath has studentships available for Home and Overseas students. However, in line with UKRI policy, the number of studentships available to Overseas students are capped.
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