Investigation of Developing Wave Energy Technology In the Gulf of Mexico

Authors

  • Kelly L. Guiberteau Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
  • Yucheng Liu Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
  • Jim Lee Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA
  • Theodore A. Kozman Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2743

Keywords:

Wave energy technology; Gulf of Mexico, alternative energy, oil platform

Abstract

This article presents an investigative study on developing wave
energy technology in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). The characteristics and
conditions of GOM such as weather, wave climate, and activity of the oil
industry were assessed first for possible development of wave energy.
The linear wave theory was then reviewed to identify methods to esti-
mate wave power. Using wave data recorded from several stations in the
GOM, methods used to estimate the wave energy were verified. Based
on the findings, the potential in the GOM for implementing wave energy
technology was confirmed. It is expected that the wave energy captured
from the GOM can provide a considerable portion of power required by
operating the oil platforms in that area.

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Author Biographies

Kelly L. Guiberteau, Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA

Kelly L. Guiberteau received her B.S. and M.S. degrees in me-
chanical engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She
is the lead student for the Industrial Assessment Center at the University
of Louisiana at Lafayette, and her research interests include energy man-
agement, integrated product and process design, and wave energy.
Email: kguiberteau@gmail.com

Yucheng Liu, Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA

Yucheng Liu is Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering. His
research interests include computer modeling and simulation, structural
mechanics, and alternative energy. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical
Engineering from the University of Louisville and ©he is a registered
Professional Engineer and holds active membership in ASME, SAE, and
ASEE.

Jim Lee, Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA

Jim Lee is Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University
of Louisiana Lafayette and Associate Director of Louisiana Industrial
Assessment Center. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial
and Management Engineering from the University of Iowa. His research
areas include simulation, statistical analysis, decision support systems,
and computer-integrated production systems.
Email: jlee@louisiana.edu

Theodore A. Kozman, Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, LA 70503, USA

Theodore A. Kozman is Professor in Mechanical Engineering,
University of Louisiana Lafayette. He is Director and Founder of Loui-
siana Industrial Assessment Center to assist manufacturing in reducing
energy, waste reduction and productivity improvement. He received his
Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Mechanics from the University of Ten-
nessee.
Email: kozman@louisiana.edu

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Published

2012-10-10

How to Cite

Guiberteau, K. L. ., Liu, Y. ., Lee, J. ., & Kozman, T. A. . (2012). Investigation of Developing Wave Energy Technology In the Gulf of Mexico. Distributed Generation &Amp; Alternative Energy Journal, 27(4), 36–52. https://doi.org/10.13052/dgaej2156-3306.2743

Issue

2012: Vol 27 Iss 4

Section

Articles