Openings

We are always seeking motivated graduate students for PhD projects in renewable and efficient energy systems and environmental fluid mechanics.

If you are interested in our group, please contact Michael Howland (mhowland@mit.edu) or apply directly to the MIT CEE PhD program.

We are also seeking motivated MIT undergraduates for UROPs in renewable energy and fluid dynamics, interested students should contact Michael Howland (mhowland@mit.edu).

Specific openings, if available, can be seen below.

Postdoc in collective wind farm flow control

Postdoc position details

The Howland Lab, based at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) Department, invites applications for a one-year Postdoctoral Scholar position on a project in collaboration with and supported by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE). In wind farms, turbines are typically operated to maximize only their own power production. Individual operation results in wake losses that reduce farm energy. Recent work has demonstrated that operating wind turbines collectively can increase total wind farm power production through flow control (wake steering and induction control). Existing wind farm flow control methods are principally open-loop, where a controls-oriented flow model is optimized offline to identify a predetermined control strategy. In this project, we will develop improved methods for closed-loop wind farm flow control, where wind farm data are assimilated into the flow control decision-making. The methods will be tested first in large eddy simulation (LES) and then in a full-scale field experiment with utility-scale turbines.

To apply, please submit the following to Prof. Howland (mhowland@mit.edu) with [Control] in the subject line:

· Cover letter describing your relevant experience, scholarly interests, and preferred start date

· Curriculum vitae

· Relevant publications

· 2-3 references (names and contact information)