Robust operation of Airborne Wind Energy Systems in transient, low-, and high-wind speed conditions
Industrial Host: Kitemill A/S, Vanse, Norway PhD Academic Host: Wind Energy Department, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Roskilde, Denmark.
About the Position The AWETRAIN project, funded by the European Union's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), is offering a fully funded PhD position focused on advancing the development of Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES).
This unique position is jointly hosted by DTU and Kitemill, with the candidate spending 18 months at each location. The successful applicant will bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application, working in an international network that is driving Europe's green energy transition.
Key responsibilities include contributing to AWETRAIN work packages that focus on the design, modeling, and testing of AWES to optimize performance, safety, and operational efficiency.
About AWETRAIN and Kitemill AWETRAIN is an MSCA Doctoral Network dedicated to training a new generation of researchers in Airborne Wind Energy. The consortium unites top European universities and industry leaders to accelerate innovation in AWES.
Kitemill is a frontrunner in the development and deployment of tethered airborne wind energy systems that operate at heights well beyond conventional wind turbines, tapping into stronger and more consistent wind resources to generate clean, renewable energy.
PhD Project Description
The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge research tasks, with objectives including:
Developing new algorithms and strategies to improve autonomous AWE operation across conditions (weak, strong, and highly transient winds):
Increasing energy production in varied conditions.
Enhancing system resilience, efficiency, and safety.
Characterizing and sensing relevant transients (e.g., gusts) and extreme flight path conditions (e.g., shear):
Extending the control system to address these conditions.
Minimizing practical cut-in wind speeds to maximize energy production during high price conditions:
Adjusting for strong low-speed transients, enhancing flight paths and controls.
Ensuring reliable operation in weak wind scenarios.
Addressing challenges in high winds through path, control, and design optimizations:
Surviving gusts and turbulence without exceeding load limits.
Maximizing cut-out wind speeds.
Key aspects of the project include:
Observing and inferring usable flow field quantities via the AWES device.
Trajectory optimization and variable looping diameters (flight path adaptation).
Determining the necessary degree of flow field characterization and its impact on performance.
Tether control, including azimuth angle and automatic elevation angle changes.
Active angle-of-attack control for improved efficiency.
Winch-kite interactions for optimized system performance.
Practical testing and experimental validation of algorithms through flight tests with Kitemill.
Collaborative Activities
As part of the AWETRAIN network, the candidate may also contribute to:
Aeroelastic modeling and simulation: Extending and validating simulation models for kite structures to predict aerodynamic and structural responses.
Safety and reliability assessments: Identifying and addressing operational risks, focusing on enhancing the robustness and reliability of AWES technology for scalable deployment.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct original research on flow environments, control systems, and simulation for AWES.
Develop and validate AWES models for flight dynamics and energy harvesting efficiency.
Participate in regular project meetings, workshops, and conferences, collaborating with other AWETRAIN doctoral candidates.
Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
Engage in the AWETRAIN Doctoral Network’s training and networking activities to develop a well-rounded skill set for academia and industry.
What We Offer
A competitive salary and benefits package aligned with MSCA guidelines, including:
Allowances for mobility, family support, and research expenses.
A fully funded PhD program with a structured training and career development plan.
Access to state-of-the-art research facilities at DTU and Kitemill, including simulation labs, wind tunnels, and field test sites.
Hands-on industry experience at Kitemill, a leader in airborne wind energy technology.
An international and interdisciplinary research environment with leading experts in wind energy, control systems, and sustainability.
Eligibility Requirements
A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Control Engineering, Wind Energy, or a closely related field.
Strong background in control theory, fluid dynamics, structural mechanics, or related fields.
Demonstrated programming skills (e.g., Python, Julia) for model development and simulation.
Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
Per MSCA rules, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months within the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment date.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with wind energy systems, kite dynamics, or similar fields in renewable energy.
Knowledge of computational modeling tools (e.g., Simulink) and control systems design.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an international team.
How to Apply
Submit your application via the DTU online recruitment portal. Please include:
A detailed CV, including a list of publications (if applicable).
A cover letter outlining your motivation and how your background aligns with the research focus.
Copies of academic degrees and transcripts.
Contact information for at least two academic or professional references.
Further details about the AWETRAIN project will be available on the project website (under development). For now, check DTU’s vacant positions portal. for updates.
