Master Thesis: Finite Element and Machine Learning for Dynamic Cable Sensors

Background

Motivated by the urgent need to address climate change, the generation of renewable energy is on the rise. To reach out for new natural resources, such as wind, wind farms are now more often being installed offshore at sea, further off the coast. In such places, winds blow with much greater force and more frequently than on land. High voltage (HV) dynamic cables are essential elements in the power collection and transmission from offshore wind farms to the shore, thus playing a central role in the renewable energy transition. 

A dynamic cable is characterized by high fatigue endurance to withstand the harsh loading conditions in the sea. The cable hangs in the water between the offshore wind farm and the seabed and has to withstand severe mechanical stress from currents, waves, and the continuous movement of the floating wind farm. Therefore, monitoring the cable is essential for ensuring the cable's lifespan. 

NKT's Curvature Sensing System (CSS) is a monitoring solution for dynamic cables that uses sensors to measure curvature, helping to predict fatigue life and ensure reliability in harsh offshore environments. 

The focus of this thesis is to identify the relation between different cable designs and sensor measurements.

Thesis Objectives

The objective of this work is to evaluate sensor measurements under various loading scenarios. These measurements will also be assessed across different cable designs to determine how varying geometries influence sensor responses. In addition, data from in-house controlled loading tests on multiple cables, including sensor outputs, will be used to train machine learning models. These models will predict accurate loads based on the sensor measurements and cable designs.

Main Activities

•    Conducting a literature survey on dynamic cables and sensing techniques

•    Employing /developing a finite element model to evaluate the load in the sensor based on the overall load applied to the cable

•    Study the impact of different cable designs on sensor measurements

•    Utilise in-house experimental results/FE results to train ML algorithm that can predict the load in the sensor for different cables.

•    Writing a final report summarizing the methods and findings.

Qualifications

We welcome applicants from diverse academic and personal backgrounds. If you are motivated by innovation and sustainability, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every requirement.

•    Master student in Solid Mechanics, Material Science, Engineering Mechanics, Applied Mechanics, Engineering Physics, or any related field.

•    Good knowledge of solid mechanics, material science, and finite element method (FEM).

•    Experience in using FEA commercial software, e.g., Abaqus.

•    Interest in the machine learning approach (ML)

•    Proficient in both spoken and written English

What We Offer

•    An inclusive and collaborative environment where your ideas matter.

•    Opportunities to contribute to sustainable energy solutions.

•    Guidance from knowledgeable mentors and access to premium tools.

•    Flexibility to accommodate different working styles and needs.

At NKT we believe in empowering our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Our commitment to work-life balance extends beyond mere words; it's woven into the fabric of our company culture. Whether you're working partly from home or collaborating in our collaborative office spaces, we prioritize flexibility, well-being, and collaboration. Because when our team members flourish, so does our innovation and growth. 

NKT is committed to developing a diverse organization and culture where people of diverse backgrounds can grow and are inspired to do their best. Our goal is to enhance gender diversity at NKT and we encourage all potential applicants to apply, even if they do not fulfil all listed criteria. We believe that a diverse organization enables long-term performance and that an inclusive and welcoming culture creates a better work environment.

If you have any questions regarding the position, you are very welcome to contact Recruiting Manager, Giampaolo Martufi, In case you have any inquiries about the recruitment process please reach out to HRBP Jenny McWhinney, Please note that due to the GDPR regulations we cannot accept any applications via e-mail.

Be a Connector of the green tomorrow

About NKT

Join a diverse and international team of experts developing the power cable technology of the future with focus on deeper sea, lower losses and higher performance. Technology is leading the corporate R&D program including material development and operating some of the most advanced high-voltage test centers in the industry. NKT also operates a Technology Consulting center in Sweden, where technical experts and scientists supports industries worldwide in cross-disciplinary R&D projects and technical investigations. 

NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and takes centre stage as the world moves towards green energy. NKT designs, manufactures and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling sustainable energy transmission. Since 1891, NKT has innovated the power cable technology building the infrastructure for the first light bulbs to the megawatts created by renewable energy today. NKT is headquartered in Denmark and employs 6,000 people. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 3.3 billion in 2024. We connect a greener world.