Researcher Operations and Maintenance Wind Energy
ECN is the largest research center in the Netherlands in the field of energy. ECN develops high-quality knowledge and technology for the transition to sustainable energy management and ECN introduces this knowledge and technology to the market. Our focus is on energy conservation, sustainable energy and an efficient and clean use of fossil fuels.
The unit
ECN Wind holds a leading international position in the field of wind energy research. A convenient truth: the wind energy sector has been growing exponentially over the last decades and will continue this growth in the next decades as it is the only emission free bulk renewable electricity option that can be implemented in the short term at relatively low cost. The activities at ECN Wind focus on offshore wind power plants and should lead to a reduction in cost of energy (CoE) of offshore wind power and, related to this, increased return on investment (ROI) for offshore wind power plants. Together with (inter)national partners, ECN Wind develops knowledge and technology that will help the wind industry to innovate, and thus reduce the CoE. Examples of customers of ECN Wind are wind farm developers, constructors, operation & maintenance companies, and the Dutch government. ECN has its own wind turbine test location in Wieringermeer with various turbines for experimental research and a scaled wind farm for experiments on for example wake aerodynamics. The unit has approximately 45 employees.
The position Researcher Operations and Maintenance
You will develop tools and knowledge to optimise the operation and maintenance (O&M) strategies for offshore wind farms. You will carry out R&D projects in which you will help to develop software for modeling the availability and O&M costs . You will also get involved in the development of hardware and software for monitoring wind turbine loads at low costs, such as the patented Fibre Optic Blade Monitoring system and our innovative Fleet Leader concept. You will analyse operational data of offshore wind farms in close collaboration with our customers in order to improve their O&M strategies.
The work will be performed in multidisciplinary project teams where you will contribute by performing applied research and reporting the results, focused on meeting the needs of ECN's clients. You will co-operate with industrial partners and research institutes, both national and international.
Your profile
You have an academic technical degree, preferably in the area of mechanical engineering, applied mechanics, or aeronautics. You have good analytical skills. We specifically look for candidates with a background in design of technical installations, preferably wind turbines. Being able to model these systems and understand their behavior is a must. Experience in developing software algorithms and experience with Matlab, FEM and Multi Body is a pre.
You are an initiator and able to perform your work in an autonomous way, while keeping focus on both the co-operation and the results within your projects. You have strong communication skills and are able to present yourself in English and preferably in Dutch. Together with (commercial) colleagues within the Wind Energy unit and you will be in frequent contact with the customer network. Some travelling is part of your job.
Information and application
For more information please contact Mrs. P. Oldengarm - Senior Manager Wind Energy Systems tel. 0224 - 564185 or by e-mail oldengarm@ecn.nl
You are invited to apply before January 15th 2012 through the link below.
Acquisition based on this job opening is not appreciated.
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Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated!