Sullivan Hess

Background

About Sullivan Hess

My love and respect for the Ocean paired with my creative and analytical problem solving ability led me to Florida Atlantic University where I obtained a B.S and M.S in Ocean Engineering. As a graduate research assistant with FAU I worked on a project funded by the U.S Dept. of Energy, tasked with developing a mobile drone recharging station onboard a small aquatic vessel, using in-stream marine renewable energy as a power source. I gained extensive knowledge of various renewable energy device designs and power conversion principles, in addition to modeling/simulating the power system, designing and building a prototype, flow-tank testing, collecting and analyzing data and presenting findings on a quarterly basis. My thesis work was focused on the design, fabrication, and experimental testing of a flow augmentation subsystem which increased the measured power coefficient of the low-flow speed floating waterwheel by approximately 55% under ideal conditions by utilizing the accelerated flow field caused by a beneficially located hydrofoil wing. I am extremely motivated to begin my professional career in renewable energy engineering and look forward to contributing to a sustainable future.