Resource Characterization

Understanding and quantifying offshore resources that might be harnessed for their energy requires a multi-faceted approach. Numerical models integrate measurements, physics, artificial intelligence, and computing resources to simplify complex natural systems and focus on the features that are most relevant to energy capture. These models allow researchers and engineers to quickly iterate designs, investigate equipment performance, quantify opportunities, develop forecasting tools, and ultimately reduce the cost of commercialization.

SNMREC also performs direct oceanographic measurements of offshore currents, waves, and the temperature structure in the Florida Straits.  Although the Florida Current—which is the reach of the Gulf Stream System flowing between Florida and the Bahamas—has been the focus of intense study by the oceanographic community for decades, the new interest in marine renewable energy recovery is motivating observations on scales relevant to this new problem.  The Center’s measurement capabilities include a coastal ocean surface radar system, moored subsea measurement buoys, vessel-based measurement capabilities, and custom towable instrumentation platforms. Much of the data that is collected is available for download online.