Coupled Renewable Energy Systems

About the research project

Project Outline

Background and Rationale: Marine aquaculture operations require reliable, resilient power systems to support small but varied offshore energy demands such as feed-barge platforms, pumping systems for artificial upwelling, and environmental monitoring equipment. Current renewable energy solutions typically rely on single sources (solar or wind) with extensive battery storage, resulting in intermittent power supply despite low overall demand. This project addresses the critical need for integrated multi-source renewable energy systems that combine multiple small wave energy converters, wind generation, and solar energy and small energy storage to provide consistent, reliable power for diverse offshore applications with varying temporal energy requirements.

Research Objectives:

1. Develop numerical models for fully coupled system dynamics between platform motion and multi-source energy generation

2. Evaluate different wave energy technologies' integration with floating platform systems

3. Investigate environment forcing interactions between energy capture system and platform stability

4. Design control strategies for maximising energy capture while minimising structural loads

Key Technical Challenges:

• Linear numerical modelling of multiple energy converter performance on floating platforms

• Evaluating energy generation and platform motion couplings

• Development of simplified energy models for motion coupled multi-source energy integration

• Balancing energy performance with practical implementation constraints through Power-Take-Off (PTO) control.

Methodology:

• Numerical modelling using hydrodynamic and wind forcing simulation tools to evaluate platform dynamics and power system coupling

• Development of coupled energy capture - motion desktop model for varying sea conditions

• Evaluation of reliable PTO control strategy linked to energy performance and platform motion constraints

Primary supervisor

Meet Doctor Jean-Roch Nader

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

• a living allowance stipend funded by University of Tasmania of $34,315 per annum for 3.5 years
• a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
• a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

A tuition fee offset may be offered to eligible international applicants following competitive assessment 

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees for undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

• Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

• 1st class honours or equivalent in Ocean, mechanical, or renewable energy engineering or related fields
• Knowledge of hydrodynamics and floating structure dynamics
• Experience with hydrodynamic numerical modelling
• Programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments
• Understanding of renewable energy systems and power electronics

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

• Previous experience with wave energy converter modelling
• Knowledge of coupled system dynamics and control theory
• Understanding of marine engineering and offshore structures
• Interest in sustainable energy and blue economy applications

Application process

1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
2. Contact Doctor Jean-Roch Nader to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
3. In your application:
   • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
   • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
4. Apply prior to 1 October 2026.

Full details of the application process can be found under the ' How to apply ' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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