Jean Bastin 

Project Description

The growth of wind turbine sizes and offshore wind farms necessitates a better understanding of complex atmospheric regions, particularly the interactions between large rotors and the top of the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The Baltic Sea, with its unique atmospheric stability, could experience extreme events such as strong low-level jets and stable conditions occurrence, requiring detailed analysis. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), including the promising Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) to reduce computational costs, the study will simulate ABL behavior in the Baltic Sea, explore rotor-ABL interactions under different conditions, and assess the impact of wake development within and between wind farms. Findings could potentially lead to updates in International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for wind energy. 

Supervisors

Stefan Ivanell 

Eva Podgrajsek 

Erik Sahlée 

Henrik Asmuth 

Background

I graduated as a mechanical engineer from the Royal Military Academy of Belgium in 2016. After three years as a technical officer in the Air Force, I decided to change career paths to focus on causes that matter to me, namely tackling climate change and nature protection. This led me to pursue a second master's degree in wind energy in Denmark, which I completed alongside a part-time role as a CFD engineer at a small wind turbine company. 

Passionate about sports, cycling, and good books, I strive to maintain an active lifestyle that aligns with my commitment to sustainability. 

​

My main motivation is to contribute to expanding our scientific and practical knowledge to help combat global climate change. I firmly believe that wind energy plays a key role in the current and future electricity mix, significantly increasing the share of green power. However, this technology is often met with resistance, partly because it is not well understood by some people and because there are large uncertainties in estimating its energy potential. Addressing this challenge, while also sharing some expertise with future generations through teaching, is what drives me to pursue this PhD opportunity.