Integration of Strategic Zones into Offshore Windfarm Arrays using Explainable Evolutionary Methods
As offshore wind energy development expands, conflicts with other marine users and critical ecological areas important to the marine environment are becoming more frequent. This PhD aims to address these challenges by using Evolutionary-Computing inspired methods of offshore wind farm layout design that balance energy production with ecological and marine user needs.
Research Opportunities
By integrating open spaces and employing explainable AI (XAI) for transparent decision-making, the research aims to create configurations that accommodate vessel traffic, fishing, and conservation efforts without compromising energy efficiency and ensuring accessibility to a broad range of end-users.
Summary
This PhD will use methods of wind farm layout generation to balance renewable energy production with the needs of various stakeholders, including vessel traffic, fishers and the protection of important environmental features. An important aspect of this research is the use of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to enhance transparency in the planning process, ensuring that all stakeholders understand the trade-offs and reasoning behind specific layout decisions.
Early stages of this project will focus on identifying suitable open areas within planned wind arrays, using vessel tracking data and environmental information to determine zones where open spaces might be strategically introduced. These open spaces could accommodate vessel routes, enable sustainable fishing practices, and preserve ecological features, providing a multi-functional layout that addresses key stakeholder concerns. Objective optimization using Evolutionary Computing techniques will be used to evaluate a range of configurations, balancing the competing needs of marine users and ecological interests without significantly impacting energy production.
Building on research conducted under the D4NZ initiative, the project will further refine turbine and cable layouts within designated open areas, using evolutionary computation to optimize layouts according to a range of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These KPIs include energy efficiency, ecological conservation, compatibility with fishing and marine traffic, and stakeholder satisfaction.
To support this, the candidate will employ a range of XAI techniques to the layouts generated, providing a means for stakeholders to understand the complex trade-offs in layout design. Offshore wind farm planning involves a diverse audience, from technical experts and fishers to policymakers and the public. By exploiting such XAI techniques, this will allow the project’s findings to be presented in an accessible manner, demystifying how optimization algorithms prioritize certain factors and highlighting the trade-offs necessary to balance competing interests. By making these trade-offs clear and understandable, trust in the layout generation process is gained, supporting informed decision-making.
Expected outcomes of this project may include a comprehensive literature review of relevant topics, the development of a methodology and decision support framework for creating strategic zones and the selection of such configurations given a range of KPIs.
Candidates should have previous experience with programming, using languages such as C#, Java, or Python, and be proficient in data analysis to an MSc level or equivalent experience. Prior experience in marine, environmental, or ecological modelling is advantageous but not essential. Familiarity with evolutionary algorithms, optimization techniques, fisheries data analysis, and spatial analysis would also be beneficial; however, training will be provided in these areas to support skill development.
Supervisors
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Research Themes
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We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
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Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
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English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
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Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
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How to Apply
Applications
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Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
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