Aura Centre for Doctoral Training

Aura CDT Activities:

I am currently a Cohort 1 Student Rep on the Aura CDT Student Committee.

I have represented the Aura CDT at a RenewableUK parliamentary reception, as part of the University of Hull delegation. 

Background:

My background includes an MEng in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester. During my time at university I completed a year in industry working as a Manufacturing Intern in the Aerospace Supply Chain in Rolls Royce in Derby. During this year I undertook a dissertation analysing the etching process of critical aerospace components

Research Interests:

I’m interested in research that is experimental and science focused. The areas I am interested in include research into new and better chemical coatings of wind turbines as well as the materials used in the creation of the blades. All of this whilst still considering and mitigating all environmental impacts and if possible, making the turbine more environmentally friendly.

Why I applied for the Aura CDT:

I applied to the Aura CDT as I know I want my career to be two things, first of all working towards a more sustainable future and secondly to be at the forefront of research and innovation. The CDT perfectly combines these two. Having the first year of a PGDip was an extra benefit as it gives me time to prepare for my PhD and thoroughly consider the topics I might undertake as well as provides the opportunity to learn about multiple aspects of offshore wind energy from marine biology to deep machine learning.

PhD Research:

My PhD project is concerning the integration of energy storage solutions into floating wind turbines. This will involve consideration of all potential solutions already available for energy storage and how they can fit in with the design specifications of a floating turbine. Once a specific energy storage has been chosen as both having high potential for integration and which is not already being extensively researched, work will focus on optimising and integrating the storage device with a floating turbine. This project aims to therefore make floating wind turbines more viable and efficient as energy sources. As the intermittency of wind is its major flaw as an energy source, supporting the turbine with energy storage will fill in the gaps of the wind supply. Integrating energy storage onto floating turbines thus makes the platform a more viable and efficient option. Floating turbines are needed in wind farms in countries such as Japan and USA who have quite deep coastlines, and this research will help in getting these turbines ready for operation. More information on this PhD Research Project.  

Contact: r.keslake-2019@hull.ac.uk

Twitter: @RKeslake

LinkedIn: Rachael Keslake