The ModConFlex consortium comprises a group of 10 academics and 4 senior researchers in industry (ORE Catapult) with expertise in control theory, artificial intelligence, complex dynamical systems, distributed parameter systems, fluid dynamics, aeroelasticity, power electronics, power systems, swimming theory and marine engineering. Our aim is to train the next generation of researchers on the modelling and control of flexible structures interacting with fluids (water and air), contributing to the latest advances in control theory, artificial intelligence and energy-based modelling.
Our main applications are in the control of floating wind turbines (the prime renewable energy source of the future), and in the control of highly flexible aircraft, aircraft with very high aspect ratio. Our research plans are organized into three scientific work packages, which cover mathematical systems theory (modelling and model reduction, boundary control systems, port-Hamiltonian systems, exact beam theory), relevant aspects of control theory (internal model controllers with anti-windup, nonlinear model predictive control, robust control), reinforcement learning, aeroelasticity, stochastic algorithms.
We believe that science and technology in Europe will greatly benefit from this research, and from the education and knowledge that we will impart to a new generation of researchers. Key strengths of this consortium include a research environment that brings together mathematicians and engineers to provide the project’s young researchers with a unique training environment, and a network of associated industrial partners that will allow all the young researchers to participate in industrial secondments. We have the critical mass to cover all aspects of training, and we have an excellent track record of past collaboration and of training young researchers.
Calls for Doctoral Researchers
There is still one open position. Click on the job offer to find more details:
One PhD student position at Tel Aviv University joint with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) in modeling, stability analysis and control of electric power grids comprising grid forming inverters with Prof. George Weiss and Prof. Giovanni De Carne
Applicants must not hold a PhD.
ModConFlex' 2nd Network and Training Meeting will take place at Anglet, France.
Network Meeting and Mid-Term Check: 18 to 20 June for all Project Participants including Researchers
Training: 21 to 28 June for Researchers
The 2nd Network and Training meeting is organised by Marius Tucsnak from the University of Bordeaux.
In November 2023 the 12 recently hired ModConFlex Researchers and their supervisors plus a few more project participants met for the first time at the University of Twente.
After a day of Kick-Off and Board Meeting with lively discussions also during the breaks the day was concluded by a cozy dinner at the conference venue.
The Researchers stayed on for five additional days of learning. Videos and slides of the training are available here.
The first ModConFlex Researchers started in August 2023. Altogether there are 12 at present who introduce themselves with a short biography and research interests.
ModConFlex academics are located at six beneficiary nodes in France, Germany, Israel and The Netherlands. The ModConFlex consortium also has two academic partners, located in the United Kingdom, and several prestigious industrial partners.
Beneficiaries
Associate Partners
UK Universities
Industrial Partners
Training Partner
Scriptoria
Prof. Birgit Jacob
Phone: +49 202 439 2527
E-Mail: bjacob{at}uni-wuppertal.de
Dr. Katrin Heinrichs
Phone: +49 202 439 5413
E-Mail: heinrichs{at}uni-wuppertal.de