EngD Thesis Title: Modelling operations and maintenance strategies for wave energy arrays

Company/Organisation: Pelamis Wave Power

Industrial supervisor: Beth Dickens

Academic supervisors: Dr Lars Johanning (University of Exeter), Dr Tom Bruce (University of Edinburgh), Dr Evangelos Boulougouris (University of Strathclyde)

Programme start: September 2012

Industrial Project start: June 2013

Educational background

My A levels were in Maths, History and Chemistry and with those I went to Cardiff University to study Civil Engineering. I graduated with a Masters degree in 2011. My dissertation was to design an economic and efficient solar power system for a block of flats.

What were you doing prior to this programme?

I was in Cardiff studying part-time for an MSc in Sustainable Energy and the Environment, whilst also working part-time as a Design Engineer for a local solar panel manufacturer.

What attracted you to studying with IDCORE?

I was searching for potential PhDs when I came across the IDCORE programme. What immediately caught my attention was that the EngD allows you to carry out significant research in the industry, whilst gaining vital experience of working in an office environment, thus increasing your employability. The way that an EngD aims to help you become an engineering professional with a wide set of skills was also a major attraction for me.

What attracted you to offshore renewables industry? What aspects of the industry do you find most inspiring, interesting or important for the future?

I believe that I am working in a hugely important industry that is vital in preserving the environment. Clearly, there is a big push towards renewables as public opinion turns more and more against coal and gas fired power stations; I will never be short of job offers! Working offshore also presents a major challenge that I look forward to.

Main responsibilities and challenges as a Research Engineer

Working with the O&M model at Pelamis, my main role was to investigate inaccuracies, upgrade the model with certain features, and eventual optimise the maintenance strategy for a series of wave farms. My main challenge were figuring out exactly how the model code works.

Experience with IDCORE

I thoroughly enjoyed the IDCORE programme and have made some great friends. The taught part of the course was a big challenge, quite stressful at times, but helped me gain so much more engineering knowledge. 

Do you have any other comments, interesting facts or stories to share?

The summer schools and other events were great for meeting up with my IDCORE friends during the research phase; we always had a football along for a cheeky game of keepie-ups during the breaks!