Developing advanced visualisation techniques for Renewable Energy Model utilisation

Technologies for Sustainable Built Environments

University of Reading

The changing energy mix in the UK, in particular the effect of renewable energy as an energy source, faces certain challenges that need to be addressed to ensure its positive contribution; a particular challenge is the accurate prediction of renewable energy output into information that is useful (e.g. in supply forecasting and in Control Room decision making).  Currently the UK’s National Electricity transmission system operator, National Grid plc. rely upon complex, data intensive production models to predict short term demand.  Interpretation of these models using advanced visualisation techniques will therefore improve and simplify decision making.

The major academic contribution of this project is expected to come from an improved understanding of the impact and validation of current production models from energy generation through the use of appropriate visualisation tools. By developing visualisations of meteorological input data and energy output data from both onshore and offshore wind farms, the existing models that are used to estimate outputs and their use by National Grid operatives will be investigated.  You will be developing novel visualisation presentations of the input/output relation and prototyping them from within National Grid Market Operations.  The project will draw most strongly on techniques in computer simulation and visualisation, to include both 2D and 3D immersive projection techniques and displays.  The research method development will also be informed by an appropriate understanding of both technical aspects of wind farm sources and their contribution in the overall balancing of energy sources and the economic impact of choices to be made during real-time operation.

The research will be supervised by Prof. Paul Sharkey, Professor of Cybernetics within the School of Systems Engineering.  Professor Sharkey’s expertise spans the fields of robotics, control systems, active vision and virtual reality.  He is the Director of the Visualisation and Interactive Technologies Centre, and a member of the Cybernetics Research Group.  Additional supervision will be given through the internationally renowned Department of Meteorology.

We are seeking self-motivated, pro-active and ambitious applicants with a background and strong interest in one or more of the following areas: visualisation techniques; 2D/3D graphics; mathematical modelling;  and meteorological modelling.  Applicants must possess a good relevant degree (2:1 or higher) or MSc. The successful applicant will be developed as a good communicator and will be driven to conduct academically rigorous commercial research from within the UK's largest utility business.

More details here (PDF). Applications should be made online through our website at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/Study/apply/pg-applicationform.aspx
You also need to submit a full CV and Personal Statement to e.e.hawkins@reading.ac.uk

Vacancy Reference No: P36-2013

Shortlisting - Interviews will be held in July for a proposed start date in October 2013.