Mechanical & Industrial Engrg 652 - Ocean Renewable Energy

This course provides an in-depth introduction to ocean renewable energy systems. It covers the primary options for converting the available energy in the offshore environment into electricity as well as other technologies, infrastructure and processes that are necessary to make such conversion practical. The conversion technologies that will be considered include offshore wind energy, wave energy, ocean currents, tidal energy, ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC), and floating solar photovoltaics. Technologies common to one or more of the conversion technologies include support structure design (fixed and floating) and offshore electricity generation and transmission. Other topics include an introduction to oceanography and ocean engineering, marine infrastructure; installation, operation and maintenance; economics; environmental impacts; and permitting.

Open to graduate Mechanical Engineering majors. Instructor permission is otherwise required to be enrolled.