Program structure | Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Ship Technology at the Gdańsk University of Technology

Topics and modules

The program can be completed in full as a postgraduate course, or participants may choose individual modules. Each module is also offered as a standalone course for those who want to focus on specific topics or update their knowledge and skills in specific areas. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their learning to their own needs and schedules.

Energy Systems

• Overview of energy systems and their role in sustainable development.
• Introduction to wind energy technologies and the basic components of these systems.
• Principles of integrating systems in renewable-energy applications.
• Key parameters that affect system performance, efficiency, and scalability.
• Interactions between mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems.
• Fundamentals of documentation and lifecycle management in energy-system projects.

Application of Rotating Machinery in Wind Energy

• Introduction to the design and analysis of rotating machinery used in wind-energy systems.
• Understanding the construction principles and operating characteristics of rotating machinery.
• Managing technical documentation throughout the entire lifecycle of the equipment.
• Assessing operational performance and efficiency during system operation.
• Planning and supervising maintenance activities, including preventive-maintenance strategies.
• Managing system requirements and ensuring compliance with engineering standards.

Digital Tools in Wind Farm Design

• The role of digital platforms in designing and analysing wind-energy systems.
• Using design tools to plan wind-turbine installations.
• Assessing potential wind-farm sites based on technical and environmental factors.
• Numerical modelling and simulation of system dynamics and performance.
• Applying geospatial (GIS) tools to evaluate terrain and site conditions.
• Integrating environmental-impact data into the design process.
• Digitising workflows and supporting decision-making through virtual prototyping.

Technologies and Operation of Offshore Wind Energy Systems

• Fundamentals of project delivery and structural requirements for offshore wind farms.
• Construction and installation processes in the marine environment.
• Use of advanced technologies to ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
• Application of 3D laser scanning and geometric measurements in offshore engineering.
• Implementing digital-twin concepts for real-time monitoring and optimisation.
• Corrosion-protection techniques for marine infrastructure.
• Use of remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) for inspection and maintenance.

Monitoring and Diagnostics in Wind Energy Systems

• Overview of condition-monitoring systems (CMS) used in wind-turbine operation.
• Using vibration and acceleration sensors to detect faults.
• Oil analysis and thermal imaging for diagnosing gearboxes and other components.
• LIDAR and SODAR systems for monitoring atmospheric and wind conditions.
• Using SCADA systems for data logging and technical diagnostics.
• Measuring blade loads and deformation to monitor structural health.
• Using drones and robotic devices for remote visual inspections.
• Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive analytics and anomaly detection.

Data Processing in Energy Systems

• Identifying major data sources in wind-energy systems.
• Fundamentals of data acquisition and preprocessing in energy applications.
• Applying Big Data techniques to handle large-scale operational data.
• Using cloud computing for storing, sharing, and analysing energy data.
• Integrating artificial intelligence and analytical infrastructure with digital twins for real-time system modelling and simulation.
• Data-driven strategies for improving efficiency and enabling predictive maintenance in wind farms.

Control Systems for Wind Power Plants

• Overview of control-system architecture for wind turbines and wind farms.
• The role of SCADA systems in real-time supervisory control of turbines.
• Local and centralised control strategies: pitch, yaw, and torque regulation.
• Weather- and wind-forecast-based control using predictive models.
• Using simulation and modelling tools to design and test control systems.
• Applying artificial intelligence and machine learning in adaptive control and operational optimisation.
• Integrating wind farms with the power grid: reactive-power control, grid-code compliance, and system stability.
• Smart-grid and virtual-power-plant (VPP) concepts for coordinated power management from wind farms.

Computational Methods in Wind Energy

• Introduction to computational analyses in wind-energy engineering.
• Aerodynamic analysis and modelling of rotor and blade performance.
• Dynamic and vibration analysis of turbine components.
• Assessing energy efficiency using simulation data.
• Load modelling and fatigue-strength analysis of structural components.
• Material and structural optimisation methods in turbine design.
• Using simulation environments for design and validation.
• Integrating computational methods throughout the turbine development cycle.

Cybersecurity in Energy Systems

• Overview of cyber threats in operational technology (OT) used in wind energy.
• Attack vectors targeting energy infrastructure: ransomware, sabotage, and IoT vulnerabilities.
• Strategies for protecting industrial networks: segmentation, zero-trust architecture, and device isolation.
• Secure methods for data transmission and storage in energy infrastructure, including risk assessment and mitigation measures.
• The human factor and the importance of organisational policies and cybersecurity training.
• Incident-response planning, ensuring business continuity, and regulatory compliance.
• Using emerging technologies (e.g., blockchain, behavioral AI) for threat prevention and forensic analysis.