Combinatorial Rare Earth-free magnets for offshore wind turbines

Project Description:

This project is closed to new applicants

This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience; a partnership between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough and Sheffield. The successful applicant will undertake six-month of training with the rest of the CDT cohort at the University of Hull before continuing their PhD research at the University of Sheffield.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a pioneering project that challenges the conventional approach to wind turbine design. 

Wind turbines depend on magnets made from expensive and scarce rare-earth elements (REEs), creating significant cost and supply chain vulnerabilities. For decades, the research question has been: what is the most efficient generator for a given magnet? We are flipping this question on its head: what are the ideal magnetic properties we need to design, and how can we build them from the ground up? 

This project moves beyond single-material solutions. We shall explore the concept of creating high-performance “combinatorial magnets” by strategically combining novel and existing materials together. We will investigate whether materials previously dismissed for poor performance or high cost can be integrated to create a composite that reduces our reliance on critical REEs without sacrificing efficiency. 

Your research will be at the forefront of computational materials science. You will employ a powerful suite of cutting-edge techniques, including multi-physics finite element (FE) analysis and atomic-scale modelling. You will construct 2D and 3D simulations of generators that incorporate spatially varying material properties, from compositional gradients to atomic-level interface effects—a crucial step beyond current models. 

This PhD is part of a dynamic research cluster with strong industrial ties, including a studentship sponsored by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. This is a unique opportunity to conduct fundamental research with a direct line to real-world impact, helping to make wind energy more sustainable and economically viable. 

Training and development

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student intake, drawing on the expertise and facilities of all four academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.

You will be given training in the use of the atomic scale software packages . The technical aspects of the generator design and performance will be supported through the SGRE R&D engineering team who are also assisting in supervising the project. 

If you have any queries about this project, please contact Dr Julian Dean (j.dean@sheffield.ac.uk) 

You may also address queries about the CDT to auracdt@hull.ac.uk.

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