Enhancing power capture of tidal turbines using novel blade designs

About the project

Tidal turbines need to reduce their cost of energy and novel blade designs can be employed to do this taking inspiration from nature, wind energy and the aviation sector.

The freestream tidal energy industry is still in its infancy with some full-scale commercial demonstrator devices in operation. Costs are still high relative to comparable forms of power generation, but it is thought that there are further advantages of tidal energy in that the flow can be constrained locally around the seabed, water surface and other devices to increase power output.

This PhD will investigate novel blade designs that can be used to enhance power capture. It will initially build upon existing experimental research conducted at Southampton regarding blade winglets whilst also potentially expanding to alternative geometric modifications inspired by nature and related engineering applications. Work will be conducted in collaboration with industrial partner Proteus Marine Renewables.

This is an analytical, numerical and experimental-based research project. For the latter, various experimental facilities will be used. Smaller-scale works will be conducted in our recirculating flumes and water channels whilst larger-scale mechanical turbines will be tested in the largest UK University-operated towing tank at our Boldrewood innovation campus.

The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Dr Luke Myers PhD

• Tidal turbines
• Micro -renewables
• Experimental testing and field work

Professor AbuBakr Bahaj

• Renewable energy, (Solar photovoltaics, Marine energy, Wind energy)
• Energy access/energy for development,
• Energy, cities and infrastructure,

Dr Rodolfo Olvera PhD

• Experimental tests
• Tidal energy

Entry requirements

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages .

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

Applications should include:

• choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application
• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, email our Doctoral College (doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk) .

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email Dr Luke Myers (luke@soton.ac.uk) .

Research areas