Thea Vanelli
PhD
Wind farm modeling for enhanced performance
Host Organisation
Technical University of Denmark
Company
Vestas Wind Systems A/S
Project Description
My project aims at understanding better the influence of different atmospheric conditions on wind farm performance and wakes, and how well our engineering models capture it.
Wind farm engineering models are used in wind farm control strategies to maximize power production of the park, therefore, enhancing our understanding of their performance in diurnal and seasonal atmospheric cycles will help control the wind farm optimally and increase annual energy production.
The project is based on data analysis from an existing wind farm located in complex terrain and with strong diurnal and seasonal cycles. Nacelle mounted lidars measurements will be used to characterize the inflow conditions.
Supervisors
Ebba Dellwik – DTU
Jakob Mann – DTU
Mahmood Mirzaei – Vestas
Mark Žagar – Vestas
Background
I was born in Limassol, Cyprus, and grew up in Palmanova, in north-east Italy. In 2018 I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Udine, Italy. After working for a year in a fluid-thermo-mechanics R&D company, I decided to continue my studies and from 2019 to 2021 I studied my master’s degree in wind energy at the Technical University of Denmark. After graduation and until April 2024, I worked as a loads and control engineer at Vestas in the floating offshore products team, from the office in Porto, Portugal. In my spare time, I play volleyball for a club, and I really enjoy painting.
​
I would like to play a central role in shaping a sustainable future by combining my passion for engineering with my commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to gain technical expertise in cutting-edge wind energy research, that will enable leveraging further its full potential and develop innovative, sustainable solutions. Collaborating with industry will also help me understand how to create value from research and make a concrete impact in the world. I also believe that diverse opinions, expertise and ideas are the key to innovation, so I look forward to collaborating with my fellow PhDs and learn from their expertise throughout this journey.
​