University of Bristol appoints DNV GL’s wind energy expert as Visiting Professor

Bristol, United Kingdom (26 September 2016), the University of Bristol has appointed Ervin Bossanyi, Senior Principal Researcher Renewables at DNV GL, as Visiting Industrial Professor within the University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering. The appointment will help to align the University’s research programme with the needs of the renewables industry and to prepare the next generation of students with appropriate skills for employment in this sector.

As Visiting Professor, Dr. Bossanyi, a world-leading 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. 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 Rich Pancost, Director of the University of Bristol Cabot Institute, explained: “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.”

Professor Ian Bond, Head of Queen’s School of Engineering, added: “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 many 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.

Ervin 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.

Ervin Bossanyi, Visiting Professor and Senior Principal Researcher, said: “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.”

Lars Landberg, Group Leader and Senior Principal Researcher, DNV GL, said: “DNV GL is very happy with the collaboration we have with the University of Bristol, and with the Professorship we see our ties further strengthened. We are also honoured that Ervin Bossanyi has been given this prestigious title. We look forward to further collaboration and results which will benefit the renewables industry, the University and DNV GL.”