Engineering insights and cultural exchange: Juan’s Taiwan Secondment
Juan recently finished a 9-week secondment at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. He worked with Prof. Wen-Hwa Wu and his team on Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) for Offshore Wind Turbines.
From advanced finite element modelling to exploring Taiwan’s inspiring renewable energy landscape, Juan’s experience highlights how international research exchange can spark new ideas and build crucial skills for the energy transition.
Recently, I completed a secondment at National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan. During 9 weeks, I had the privilege of working with Professor Prof. Wen-Hwa Wu and his research group on the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs).
The objective of this secondment was to study the tools and challenges of SHM in bridges, investigate novel methodologies, and learn from their experience and research culture. In this sense, I analysed the sensibility of OWT response to soil variations; I implemented some finite element models to see how the natural frequencies and motion of a OWT change when the soil stiffness and cap strength vary. Thanks to these analyses and the lessons of Prof. Wu, I got an idea of the behaviour and uncertainties of monopile-supported OWTs.


Furthermore, I could participate in the research group meetings, where I learnt about their investigations, experimental campaigns, and numerical simulations. Definitely, a very helpful and rewarding experience.
In Taiwan, I also had the opportunity to explore the country, meet new friends, and eat delicious food. People were very welcoming and supportive, and their culture is inspiring. Despite the language being a bit complicated, I could integrate into the city and visit places like Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Alishan, among others. Surprisingly, I could see wind turbines in many places, which is inspiring because it highlights how big steps (like FRONTIErS!) are being taken towards renewable energies and a sustainable future.


