Asset-scale nowcasting of the impact of scour on coastal electricity transmission infrastructure

Description

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy solutions (N0MES) has a 4-year funded PhD place available for an exceptional researcher. With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and 33 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES PGRs will pursue new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research to address four vital net zero challenges currently facing the North West, the UK and beyond:

a) Energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind, tidal, wave, floating solar, hydrogen, CCS);

b) Distributing energy from offshore to onshore, including port- and hinterland-side impacts and opportunities;

c) Addressing the short- and long-term environmental impacts of offshore and maritime environment renewable energy generation, distribution and storage; and

d) Decommissioning and lifetime extension of existing energy and facilities.

Project Description

Coastal electricity transmission infrastructure, such as substations and towers, are a key component of the existing energy network, transmitting high voltage electricity across the country to consumers. The installation of this infrastructure is a key part of future investment in offshore renewable energy, supporting the UK’s ambitious targets to increase offshore wind fivefold to 50GW, and deliver 18GW of electricity interconnector capacity – up from 8.4 GW today - by 2030. National Grid own 21,990 steel lattice towers that support 14,000 km of overhead power lines in England and Wales. They inspect the condition of around 3,650 steel lattice towers each year, and invested £5.4 billion in their distribution network in 2019/20. Scour around tower footings and substation foundations, causing subsistence and possible collapse, is a major risk to this network. However a lack of on-site monitoring poses enormous challenges to focussing maintenance and protection towards the most vulnerable infrastructure.

Model forecasts and remote sensing data can play an important role in assessing long-term changes in erosion, but often real-time information is required at an operational scale to ensure that timely intervention is put in place before damage occurs. In recent years water level sensors have been installed on National Grid substations and towers by Previsico Ltd to provide real-time data on flood inundation. There is the potential to utilise these data in sediment transport models to provide real-time updates on potential scour risk.

The project aims to realise this potential by utilising these new sensing data to provide real-time forecasts of the magnitude and timing of erosion hazards to electricity transmission infrastructure. The key objectives are as follows:

(1) Utilise a model that accounts for the effect of local sediment characteristics, topography and real-time changes in water inundation on sediment erosion thresholds

(2) Develop a methodology for quantifying asset risk based on location and history of scour events to identify assets most susceptible to damage by extreme storm events

(3) Validate the approach against field and LiDAR data

Industrial partner: Previsico Ltd

N0MES CDT

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Environmental Sciences and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, two academic references and a supporting statement [maximum 300 words] detailing; what inspires you within this project, how your skill set matches the project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment to science, piece of science that excites you & anything else to support your application.

Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor [james.cooper@liverpool.ac.uk], those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the CDT Manager Matt Fulton [n0mescdt@liverpool.ac.uk].