Generating electricity from wind involves complex calculations and simulations to understand the physics of wind flow, and requires a solid understanding of several key areas including wind energy, aerodynamics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Shalmali Mutalik, our next pathbreaker, works as a Wind Resource Analyst at Vattenfall (UK), a leading Swedish energy company with a focus on renewable energy sources, particularly wind power.
Shalmali talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about developing a strong interest in aerodynamics during her engineering studies, being captivated by the idea of working with airplanes and rockets, and then discovering the field of wind energy that works on the same principles !
For students, It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of why you want to pursue a particular path. Knowing your true motivations simplifies decision-making and keeps you aligned with your goals !
Shalmali, can you share your background with our young readers?
I am Shalmali from Pune, a city that played a big role in shaping my interests and career path. From a young age, I was fascinated by mathematics, especially the logical aspects of it, even though I often found myself struggling with numbers. This passion for problem-solving led me to pursue the Science stream in school, and eventually, I chose to study Engineering.
I was initially torn between pursuing a degree in Mathematics or Engineering, but I ultimately decided on Engineering. I was less interested in fields like Computer Science or Electronics, largely because I was inspired by my father’s work as a mechanical engineer. Growing up, I often observed him, and his dedication to his profession left a lasting impression on me.
Outside of academics, I have always enjoyed reading, singing and playing musical instruments. Yoga has also been a significant part of my life since I started practicing it in the 9th grade. Moreover, I am also passionate about teaching. I have had the opportunity to teach mathematics both as a one-on-one tutor and to larger groups of 50-60 students. These activities have shaped my personal interests and have been a great source of balance and inspiration throughout my journey.
What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?
I did my BTech in Mechanical Engineering and then did my Master of Science in Engineering in Wind Energy – Mechanical at Technical University of Denmark.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and cool career in Wind Energy ?
My career path was largely shaped by my early interest in mathematics, particularly in the area of fluid dynamics, which initially drew me toward aerodynamics. In my third year of engineering, I naturally gravitated towards studying airplane and rocket aerodynamics, believing this to be the right direction for me. I even pursued an internship focused on rocket aerodynamics, where I had the opportunity to give webinars and work with an incredible team. Despite the supportive environment and the valuable experience, I quickly realized that this field wasn’t as fulfilling as I had hoped.
This turning point led me to explore other applications of aerodynamics, which is when I discovered wind energy. This field immediately resonated with me, not just because of its technical aspects, but also because it aligned with my personal values around sustainability and being close to nature—values I have cultivated through my practice of yoga. Intrigued by the potential of wind energy, I immersed myself in learning more about it through courses on platforms like Coursera, EdX, and YouTube.
From that moment, there was no looking back. I realized that wind energy was the perfect blend of my interests in mathematics and sustainable living. This realization marked a key turning point in my career, directing me towards a field that I am truly passionate about.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
As a mathematics enthusiast, I began to question my career path in my second year of engineering, wondering if I had made the right choice. This curiosity led me to pursue a study internship at IISER-TVM, where I explored Linear Algebra. The supportive environment, the vibrant campus life in Kerala, and the mentorship I received confirmed that engineering was indeed the right path for me. Following this, I enrolled in a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) foundation course at Flowthermo Lab under the guidance of Sandeep Sir, which further solidified my interest in the field.
By the end of my third year, I set my sights on specializing in wind energy, aiming to study at one of the top universities in the world for this field. I applied to several universities abroad and was fortunate to secure admission to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions, I was unable to join immediately after graduation. During this period, I joined Alfa Laval, a company specializing in fluid separation technologies, and worked on the shop floor, gaining valuable hands-on experience. When I eventually moved to Copenhagen, I continued with Alfa Laval as a student worker.
Can you shed light on the Wind Energy master’s degree at DTU?
One of the most exciting aspects of studying at DTU is the incredible flexibility and range of courses it offers. The program is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of all facets of wind energy, from technical details to broader industry issues. For instance, you can delve into data analysis and management, aerodynamics, load assessments, mechanical design of wind turbines, and even the strategic planning involved in wind farm development. If you’re interested in policy, you can explore renewable energy regulations and sustainability management, or if finance catches your attention, there are courses on wind farm economics and business planning.
What I found particularly beneficial was the ability to tailor the curriculum to my own interests. Since I was primarily fascinated by aerodynamics, I focused on courses related to airflow, turbine design, and computational fluid dynamics. However, I also explored other areas like load analysis, which helped me realize what aspects of the field interested me less. One unique aspect of DTU is that if a course you need doesn’t exist, you can collaborate with a mentor to create a custom course that aligns with your academic and career goals. I did this myself, which gave me the freedom to explore specific topics in-depth.
What’s remarkable about this program is how practical and industry-relevant it is. Almost every course I took has direct applications to my current work in wind resource analysis. I frequently refer back to my course materials, which I still find incredibly useful in solving real-world challenges. The master’s program not only provides a strong academic foundation but also equips you with the practical skills needed for immediate use in the field.
What sets DTU apart is not just the range of courses but its strong industry ties and research capabilities. DTU Wind has its own licensed software products that are used by wind energy developers, consultants, and turbine manufacturers worldwide. This means the university is not only academically flexible but also deeply embedded in industry research and real-world applications. In fact, DTU often consults on industry projects, which gives students the opportunity to work on real-world challenges even while still in school.
In the midst of the pandemic, I took to writing blogs on mechanical engineering and founded a platform called Mechnflow, where I posted weekly until my master’s thesis demanded more of my time. We were a team who aimed to support, help and encourage the mechanical engineering students in building their future career.
Any real world experiences that you gained during your studies at DTU?
After completing my first semester at DTU, I realized the importance of aligning my work experience with my studies. This realization led me to transition to a student worker role at Blue Power Partners, where I joined the Wind Resource Assessment department. I thoroughly enjoyed my work as a Wind Resource Analyst, which set the course for my career path.
Denmark has indeed positioned itself as a leader in the wind energy industry. Blue Power Partners (BPP) is a consulting company that works with wind farm developers to assess and optimize their projects. Our clients were often wind farm developers who approach us for expert validation of their wind energy data, ensuring that their projects are on the right track. Mostly, this validation is also required as part of bankable data to secure funding for the project.
As a student worker at BPP, my role was initially more administrative—organizing folders and setting up file systems, which is typical for student workers. However, I also had the opportunity to be involved in early-stage projects where I gained hands-on experience as a wind energy analyst. I was tasked with setting up project analyses using tools like WindPRO, which helped me learn how to design wind farm layouts that maximize energy production and revenue.
In essence, the job was to hand over a detailed turbine layout to the developer, ensuring optimal positioning to make the most of the available wind resources. This required an understanding of not just aerodynamics, but also wind patterns, terrain, and environmental factors. The role was a great learning experience and provided a solid foundation for understanding how wind resource analysis directly impacts the success and financial viability of a wind farm.
My experience at BPP was invaluable in helping me apply both technical knowledge and practical tools to real-world projects. It laid a strong foundation, but my current role at Vattenfall has allowed me to further refine and expand on those skills.
When it came time to seek full-time employment, I focused on roles related to wind resource analysis. I received several offers from across Europe, but ultimately chose to join Vattenfall, a Swedish state-owned energy company, as it aligned closely with my interests in sustainability and renewable energy.
Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to work with inspiring people and in supportive environments. Much of my success in finding these opportunities has come from proactively reaching out to relevant professionals on LinkedIn, which has been instrumental in building my career network.
How did you get your first break?
I believe that if you actively seek help and reach out to others, you will often find the support you need. The world is full of good people who are willing to help if you just ask. Throughout my career, I have made it a habit to connect with relevant professionals on LinkedIn for various discussions, opportunities, and advice. This proactive approach has consistently opened doors for me.
My first significant break came when I reached out to an ex-DTU graduate who was working in the wind energy industry. I inquired about any opportunities for a student worker position at his organization. Although he couldn’t assist me immediately, he promised to keep me in mind. True to his word, he later informed me about a finance position at Blue Power Partners (BPP). While this wasn’t directly related to wind resource analysis, he encouraged me to express my interest in that field when reaching out.
Taking his advice, I contacted BPP and explained my passion for wind resource assessment. Surprisingly, the gentleman I spoke with forwarded my resume to my future manager. Coincidentally, they were looking to fill a student position in wind resource assessment, which had been vacant since a colleague had transitioned to a full-time role. My resume landed in front of the right person at the perfect time, and I was invited for an interview.
This experience reinforced my belief that getting an opportunity often involves a bit of luck, but it also requires having the right skills and being prepared to work hard. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have received and the supportive individuals who have helped me along the way.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: Sciences VS Engineering
One of my earliest challenges was deciding between a career in pure sciences versus engineering. Growing up with a passion for mathematics, I initially considered pursuing a BSc in Mathematics. However, I was also fascinated by practical applications of scientific principles, which drew me towards engineering.
During my second year of engineering, I grappled with doubts about whether I had made the right choice. To resolve this, I took the initiative to explore my options by participating in a study internship at IISER-TVM, where I focused on Linear Algebra. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in the scientific community and understand the depth and rigor of scientific research.
Through this internship, I discovered that while I loved the theoretical aspects of science, I was more drawn to the hands-on, problem-solving nature of engineering. This realization solidified my decision to stick with engineering, but it also underscored the importance of blending scientific principles with practical applications, which later became a core part of my career in wind energy.
Challenge 2: I love aerodynamics… Now what?
Another significant challenge came when I developed a strong interest in aerodynamics during my engineering studies. Initially, I was captivated by the idea of working with airplanes and rockets, leading me to take courses and even intern in this field. However, as I delved deeper into aerospace aerodynamics, I realized that the traditional path of working with aircraft and rockets didn’t resonate with me as much as I had anticipated.
This realization was both confusing and disheartening. I had invested a lot of time and effort into this specialization, only to find that it wasn’t the right fit. To address this challenge, I started exploring different applications of aerodynamics, which is how I stumbled upon wind energy.
The concept of harnessing wind for sustainable energy production aligned perfectly with my values and interests in environmental sustainability. I took courses online to deepen my understanding of wind energy and sought out internships and roles in this field. This pivot allowed me to stay true to my passion for aerodynamics while also finding a niche that felt more meaningful and fulfilling to me.
Challenge 3: Do I fit in?
Moving to Copenhagen was a major transition in my life, especially since I had never left my parents’ home before this. The shift from India to Denmark meant adapting to a new culture, lifestyle, and work environment, all of which were vastly different from what I was used to.
One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to the Danish way of life, which places a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Unlike in India, where long hours and job pressure are often seen as a norm, I found that in Denmark, people genuinely enjoy what they do and are committed to maintaining a balance between their professional and personal lives. This cultural difference was refreshing, but it also required a significant adjustment on my part. Initially, I felt out of place and unsure if I would be able to fit in with this new way of working.
I didn’t do anything specific to overcome this challenge; rather, I embraced the change and allowed myself time to adapt. I learned to accept that fitting in wouldn’t happen overnight and that it was okay to feel out of my element initially. Over time, I found my footing by being open to the differences and gradually integrating into the Danish work culture. I discovered that with patience and an open mind, I could learn to appreciate and thrive in this new environment, finding joy in both my work and personal life.
By being open to exploring new avenues and continuously seeking alignment between my skills, interests, and values, I was able to overcome these challenges and carve out a rewarding career path in wind energy.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I currently work as a Wind Resource Analyst at Vattenfall, a leading Swedish energy company with a focus on renewable energy sources, particularly wind power. It is a developer company, meaning we develop wind farms (not a consultant or a wind turbine manufacturer)
My primary role involves assessing potential sites for wind energy projects. When government entities or private landowners express interest in setting up wind turbines, my team and I are brought in to evaluate the feasibility of these projects. Our first task is to determine if there is sufficient wind resource in the area to justify the installation of wind turbines, as their ability to generate electricity hinges entirely on the availability and consistency of wind. We conduct thorough wind speed measurements and analyze various environmental factors that could impact wind flow and energy production.
Once we confirm that the wind speeds are adequate, we work on optimizing the placement of wind turbines to maximize energy output and, consequently, revenue. This involves complex calculations and simulations to understand the physics of wind flow around potential turbine locations, ensuring that each turbine is positioned to capture as much wind energy as possible without interfering with the others.
What skills are needed for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
The job requires a solid understanding of several key areas, including wind energy, fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and statistics. Proficiency in specialized software tools like Windographer, Windpro, and Openwind, as well as general data analysis tools such as Excel and PowerBI, is also essential.
I acquired these skills through a combination of academic training and practical experience. My Master’s program at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) provided a strong foundation in wind energy and aerodynamics, while my work experience, both as a student worker and in my current role, has allowed me to apply and further develop these skills in real-world scenarios.
What’s a typical day like?
A typical day in my role involves a variety of tasks, ranging from data analysis to wake calculations. I might spend part of the day conducting wake calculations, which help us understand how wind turbines can affect each other’s performance due to the turbulence they create. Another common task is cleaning and processing wind data to ensure its accuracy and reliability for further analysis. This might involve identifying and correcting errors in data sets or applying statistical methods to fill in gaps. I also collaborate with other team members to discuss ongoing projects and plan our next steps.
What is it you love about this job?
I enjoy applying my passion for mathematics and aerodynamics to solve real-world problems and contribute to sustainable energy solutions, aligning with my values. The diversity and impact of my work make it fulfilling.
How does your work benefit society?
My work contributes to a sustainable future by optimizing wind energy projects. Wind energy is a clean, renewable source that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports global efforts to achieve net-zero goals. It’s rewarding to know that my work helps create a cleaner environment for future generations. This sense of purpose is one of the reasons I chose to pursue a career in wind energy.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
One of my most memorable experiences was developing a model for my thesis to calculate blockage losses in a wind farm. It was challenging, requiring advanced skills in Python and aerodynamics. Despite the stress, it was an exciting project that pushed my limits and helped me grow. The support from my supervisor, family, and friends made this experience particularly special.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of why you want to pursue a particular path. My decision to study at DTU was driven by my desire to learn about wind energy from the best institution globally. While the university happened to be in Denmark, my focus was always on the quality of education, not the location. Similarly, when choosing a job in the UK, it was the role and growth opportunities that mattered most, not the country. If the job had been in Paris, I would have moved there just the same. I am assuming that if you are a student your first priority is career, but might not be true for everyone.
Knowing your true motivations simplifies decision-making and keeps you aligned with your goals. Being genuine about your interests and ambitions will ultimately lead to greater satisfaction and happiness. Remember, it’s essential to follow what genuinely resonates with you, as that’s what will bring you the most fulfillment in the long run.
Feel free to read an article by me at Mechnflow: Confused & Stuck? What to do next as Mechanical Engineer? Job or Masters? (mechnflow.com)
Future Plans?
At this early stage of my career, I plan to remain open to various opportunities and explore different roles within the field of wind energy. My goal is to gain diverse experiences and a comprehensive understanding of the industry, which will enable me to make a meaningful contribution to the field in the future.