Ocean Modeling, Prediction and Energy Harvesting

Speaker: Dr. Yi Chao, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of TechnologyAbstractOcean circulation and variability involve multi-scales in both space and time. To correctly model the ocean therefore requires a multi-scale (or nested) modeling approach so that both the local fine-scale features and the global large-scale patterns are simultaneously resolved. This talk will describe a hierarchy of nested models resolving both the Pacific Ocean climate variability with a relatively coarse resolution (on the order of 10-km) and several coastal regions off the U.S. west coast with a spatial resolution as fine as 1-km. Advanced data assimilation algorithms have been developed to integrate the available observations from different sensors and platforms in a statistical optimal but dynamically consistent manner. Results from several field experiments will be described to test and validate the developed ocean prediction system. Preliminary results to integrate the physics/dynamics with biogeochemistry, marine ecosystem and fish will be described. Possibilities to extend this ocean forecast system to the climate time scale (e.g., El Nino) will be discussed.
The ocean prediction skill is limited by how well ocean can be measured on the routine basis. While ships are expensive to operate, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) have to be frequently recovered for battery change/recharging. Prototyping a fundamentally new platform that can be deployed underwater over a long period of time is described. The idea is to extract the local renewable thermal energy in the ocean to power both the vehicle including navigation/communication and scientific sensors. A Phase Change Material (PCM) has been identified. It can be melted in warm waters at sea level and frozen in cold waters at deeper ocean depths. This melting/frozen process will generate a significant volume change and therefore a high-pressure fluid that can drive a hydraulic motor for power generation. The potential for this robotic vehicle in monitoring long-term ocean and climate change will be presented. Commercial applications to harvest ocean energy will also be discussed.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - rielian 209/ on WEBEX

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Evangeline Reyes