Benjamin Platte
Research Mentor: M. Javad Javaherian
Mentor Department: Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, Engineering
Author(s): Ben Platte, Mohammad Javad Javaherian
Session: Session 5 (2:00 PM – 2:50 PM)
Presentation Type: Poster 63
Abstract
As global warming intensifies, the demand for clean and sustainable energy sources continues to grow. Offshore wind in the Great Lakes could be utilized to help meet that demand. Persistent wind patterns across the Great Lakes represent a largely unexploited source of energy. This paper investigates the optimal locations across Lake Michigan for offshore wind development. Offshore wind is influenced by several factors including ice intensity, wind speed, port access, and electrical grid capacity. Wintery conditions lead to thick ice formations on the surface of the lake. This ice can exert considerable mechanical stress on turbine foundations and structures. Wind patterns also vary across the lakes, and are important to consider for reliable energy. Good port access is vital for construction and maintenance. The local electrical grid also needs to be considered, how will the grid be affected with this influx of power? All of these factors need to be considered. To determine possible locations, historical ice and wind data is synthesized with current financial projections. From there, the list is then further refined based on distance to ports for construction and maintenance, along with access to electrical grid infrastructure. Based on this analysis, this region is determined to be most suitable for offshore wind development. This paper provides a framework for future research, and determination, of offshore wind development in the Great Lakes.
