DNV GL’s Wind Expert Joins Bristol Uni Academics

The University of Bristol, UK, has appointed Ervin Bossanyi, Senior Principal Researcher Renewables at DNV GL, as Visiting Industrial Professor within the University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering.

Dr Bossanyi will help the university align its research programme with the needs of the renewables industry and prepare the next generation of students with appropriate skills for employment in this sector.

As Visiting Professor, Dr Bossanyi, an expert in wind turbine control and analysis, will join academics from the Faculty of Engineering and the Cabot Institute’s Low Carbon Energy Research Group.

Professor Rich Pancost, Director of the University of Bristol Cabot Institute, said: “We are committed to not just defining the challenges of the 21st century but also to tackling them. And we cannot do that alone. Building stronger links to industry leaders such as DNV GL and hosting excellent researchers such as Professor Bossanyi will be critical to developing new approaches and technologies.”

Collaborative research projects will focus on a number of areas, for example wind farm control and wake modelling, wind turbine blade design, renewable energy microgrids for developing countries and the development of a novel floating platform for offshore wind turbines. Collaboration on machine learning and the use of data will bring new applications and insights for the operation of wind and solar farms and energy systems.

Professor Ian Bond, Head of Queen’s School of Engineering, said: “DNV GL has given tremendous support to both our research and teaching over recent years and we look forward to Professor Bossanyi’s Fellowship further cementing this relationship. Giving our students access to cutting-edge expertise and expanding our research in renewable energy is vital to addressing society’s energy challenges.”

Professor Bossanyi has over 38 years of professional experience in different aspects of renewables in the academic, industrial and consultancy sectors and is regarded as one of the global authorities on wind turbine control. Other significant contributions to the renewables industry include: work on novel transmission systems, detailed simulation modelling, grid integration of renewables, turbulence modelling, forecasting, and operation and maintenance planning.

He has authored over 70 publications, papers and conference presentations. He has also co-authored the Wind Energy Handbook, commonly regarded as one of the most authoritative texts on wind energy technologies. In June 2014, Bossanyi was awarded the Scientific Award of the European Academy of Wind Energy for outstanding contributions to the development of wind energy. He is also an Associate Editor of the IET’s Renewable Power Generation Journal and has been a reviewer and session chair for European Wind Energy Association annual conferences since 2013.

“I have seen wind energy grow from almost nothing into a major industry at the forefront of global efforts to mitigate the threat of climate change. I am delighted at this opportunity to help promote collaborative research projects for the benefit of the renewables industry and society, and to share my experience of this fascinating technology with the next generation of students,” Professor Bossanyi said.