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Ocean Engineering & Energy
Advancing renewable energy research and development with the largest university-based research team focused on floating offshore wind, next-generation turbines, optimized novel hull/mooring concepts, and coastal resiliency.
Alfond W2 Ocean Engineering Lab
Combined wind-wave simulation basin with tow carriage and variable depth floor
A 1:50-scale offshore model testing facility that accurately simulates towing tests, variable water depths, and
scaled wind and wave conditions that represent some of the worst storms possible anywhere on Earth.
Wave Basin
30 meters long by 9 m wide (98 x 30 ft) with a working depth of floor of 0 – 4.5 meters. The basin contains a 16-paddle wave generator, a beach, a moving wind wall, and an adjustable floor.
Multi-directional Wave Generator
The 16-paddle wavemaker can simulate regular waves and all standard spectra as well as custom random seas with directional waves and a range of frequencies. It can produce wave angles in excess of +/- 60 degrees relative to the basin centerline. Waves can be the maximum height of 0.6 m at T = 1.65 seconds, and 0.8 m at T = 2.3 seconds.
Towing System
The system has a maximum speed of 1 meters/second (3.3 feet/second)
Wind Generator
The 5 m x 3.5 m x 6 m wind machine can generate wind speeds up to 12 m/s with flow direction relative to waves up to 180 degrees.
In-House Model Design and Fabrication Capabilities
Fabrication can be completed with a variety of materials including metals, composites, plastics, foams, and others. Equipment in the ASCC lab facilities allows for in-house fabrication using a water jet, welder, CNC machine, 3D printer, and other options.
Instrumentation
The W2 data acquisition system is built on industry-leading National Instruments hardware and can accommodate a large variety of instrumentation including force, acceleration, and velocity measurements. Non-contact motion tracking above and below the water is made possible by two linked Qualisys camera systems. Flexible synchronization and data I/O allow for integrating hardware- or software-in-the-loop control systems and supplemental data acquisition systems. Custom instrumentation and integration support are available.
Leadership
Dr. Anthony
Viselli, P.E.
Chief Engineer
Matthew Tomasko,
M. Sc., M.B.A
Business Manager
Hannah
Berten, M.Sc.
Project Engineer
Matthew
Fowler, M.Sc.
W2 Basin Test Manager
Collaborating Faculty
![]](https://composites.umaine.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/600/2021/08/Kim-Huguenard-423x634-1.jpeg)
Dr. Kimberly Huguenard
Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Biography
Dr. Andrew
Goupee
Donald A. Grant Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Biography
Dr. Richard
Kimball
Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Presidential Professor in Ocean Engineering and Energy
Biography
Dr. Lauren
Ross
Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Biography
Dr. Amrit Shankar Verma
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Matthew Tomasko,
M. Sc., M.B.A
Business Manager
Contact Offshore Engineering & Energy
Research Overview
The Ocean Engineering & Energy team is researching and developing innovative solutions to address climate change. Research is conducted in a state-of-the-art facility that includes the Alfond W2 (wind wave) Ocean Engineering Lab. The W2 is equipped with a high-performance rotatable wind machine over a multi-directional wave basin. The facility accurately simulates tow tests, variable water depths, and scaled wind and wave conditions that represent some of the worst storms possible anywhere on earth.
The Ocean Engineering & Energy team collaborates with businesses and other research institutions in developing products for the marine economy while offering hands-on training for students. These products include ocean energy devices such as floating offshore wind turbines, marine hydrokinetic devices (wave energy converters, tidal energy, etc); aquaculture technology; improved boat and ship hulls; waterfront infrastructure such as bridges, piers, docks, and port facilities; as well as systems to protect coastal cities from effects of erosion and extreme storms.
CAREERS
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE ASCC