CEROS AWARD - September 1, 2004

Makai received an award from the National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences (CEROS) for a project titled, "Validation of Towed Array Shapes Using At-sea Data and Smart Beamforming". The primary purpose of this project is to validate Makai's models for submarine towed arrays.
 

Cable Installations

• The C/V Polar King has recently completed the a Caribbean cable installation using the latest version of MakaiLay.

• ALDA Marine has hired Makai engineers to assist in a Mediterranean cable install using the C/V Ile de Batz.

• Tyco has hired Makai engineers to participate in a cable installation in the Indian Ocean.

Recent Makai Cable Training

Several Telecom companies prepared for upcoming submarine cable designs and installations by receiving Makai training (Cns Subsea, Fujitsu, General Dynamics, SAIC, and Tyco Telecommunications).

MakaiPlan DTM Sales

MakaiPlan software continues to be the leader for cable route planning in the Telecom industry. Since the introduction of MakaiPlan Version 3.0 during SubOptic 04, many of the current users have updated and added the new DTM module to process survey data.  In addition, new clients of MakaiPlan include Fujitsu, Fugro Seafloor, and TYCO Spain.

2004 Software Releases

Many new features are being introduced into our cable software. Highlights include a variety of new tools and additions requested by our clients to increase the efficiency and accuracy of cable planning and laying.

• a new add-on module to transform your raw survey point data into grid data and georeferenced color maps

• improved 3D finite element cable model optimized for specific applications such as seismic, flexible pipes, and the deployment of scientific and defense arrays

• an enhanced MakaiLay 3D viewer now has the capability of displaying the bottom profile as a surface for easier viewing of the seafloor

• direct control of cable engine speed is now possible from select manufacturers

< click on the figure above for more info >

Professional Services Exporter of the Year Award - October 2, 2003

State of Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle awarded the  Exporter of Professional Services award for 2003 to Makai Ocean Engineering's president Dr. Joe Van Ryzin.  The award was earned based upon service & sales of Makai's sophisticated submarine cable-lay software and advanced pipeline design services.

Optimizing OTEC Environmental Sustainability - Fall 2009

The National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences (CEROS) has funded Makai to develop a toolset of analytical and numerical programs to be used during OTEC design that will provide sustainability feedback by effectively simulating the circulation, temperatures, and nutrients around single or multiple OTEC plants, while producing power at the lowest possible cost. The final toolset will include an OTEC plant model which will manage flows, temperatures, plant geometries, power, and will optimize the plant configuration based on cost. The OTEC plant model will receive feedback from the hydrodynamic performance predicted by an OTEC 3-D hydrodynamic plume model which will model seawater intakes, discharges, velocity, near-field mixing and turbulence, and which will, in turn, be driven by boundary conditions generated by a Regional Ocean Hydrodynamic Model (HIROM).

Conceptual SWAC Analysis for Bermuda - Fall 2009

In August of 2009, Makai completed a Conceptual Design and Cost Study for a Seawater Air Conditioning and Bottoming Cycle Power System for Hamilton, Bermuda. This study was sponsored by BAC Engineering, a division of Bermuda Air Conditioning Limited. The goal was to provide a conceptual level technical analysis and cost estimate for a large SWAC system with intake pipelines centered off the southern coastline of Bermuda. The system included a novel re-use of the still cool SWAC discharge water in a bottom cycle power application that took advantage of waste heat available from power generation activities at Bermuda Electric Light Company, Ltd.

Preliminary SWAC & OTEC Analysis – New Caledonia - Fall 2009

Working as a subcontractor to Génie & Technologies Industriels of Noumea, New Caledonia, Makai recently completed an evaluation of the potential of Seawater Air Conditioning (SWAC) for space cooling and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) for electrical energy production in the development of a new coastal resort in New Caledonia. The new resort was to be located within an exclusive site called Gouaro Deva on the south coast of New Caledonia, about 2 hours by car from Noumea. The scope of Makai’s work was a pre-design evaluation focusing on development of a concept design, thermal and hydraulic analysis of the required intake and discharge pipelines and an associated cost analysis for the offshore pipeline components.

Conceptual Power Cable Design for an OTEC Plant - Fall 2009

The Department of Energy has awarded Makai Ocean Engineering a SBIR Phase I contract to perform a conceptual configuration design, cable route, cable deployment and preliminary electrical and mechanical cable specifications for dynamic cables that could supply OTEC generated electrical power to shore. Today, there are no high voltage, deep water, dynamic power cables available that are suitable for connecting to a large offshore OTEC plant. Numerous technical issues currently impede the design and development of this high power submarine cable that can withstand the regular movement associated with a moored floating OTEC plant.

OTEC Heat Exchanger Design and Testing - Summer 2009

Makai is working toward the development of a low-cost heat exchanger for commercial OTEC power plants. The project involves various efforts to design and test the overall performance of heat exchangers based on their corrosion characteristics, manufacturability, fluid dynamic losses and thermodynamic performance. This project is being funded by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Office of Naval Research (ONR), Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI) and the Hawaii Technology Development Venture (HTDV). Makai is currently designing and beginning construction of the test facility at the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Makai design team, along with the parallel efforts of Lockheed Martin Co., will develop and test several 50 kW OTEC heat exchanger prototypes during a 2-year period.

Feasibility Assessment for OTEC on Guam  - Spring 2009

The Naval Facilities Engineering Command has contracted Makai to perform a Feasibility Assessment for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) on Guam.  The island is scheduled to undergo significant military expansion which will require Guam Power Authority to increase their electrical generating capacity.  OTEC would be able to provide 24/7 electrical power from a renewable source - the stored warmth of the tropical ocean.

Lockheed Press Release on OTEC  - Fall 2008

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a cooperative agreement contract with a maximum value of $1.2 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to demonstrate innovative technologies to enable ocean thermal energy power generation. Makai has a 30 year history of working with Lockheed on OTEC technology and is applying new solutions to old problems.

OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion)  - Summer 2008

As part of our SBIR study on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, Makai has entered into a teaming agreement with Lockheed Martin. Lockheed will assist in the final Phase of this SBIR with evaluation of important configuration alternatives and generating plans for the future. Beyond the SBIR, The OTEC plan has expanded considerably with Lockheed taking the lead. Makai as a subcontractor is assisting Lockheed on the engineering of the platform, cold water pipe, heat exchangers and plant configuration including the planning for a first commercial OTEC plant.

HSWAC's Final Design  - June 2008

Makai has signed a contract to provide final design engineering services to Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning LLC, a subsidiary of Ever-Green Energy of St. Paul, Minnesota. The overall goal of this ambitious project is to provide 22,500 tons of air conditioning to downtown Honolulu commercial and government buildings. Makai will be responsible for the design of the large diameter deep water intake pipeline from 45’ (13.7m) depth to the intake depth at 1750’ (534m) stretching over a length of approximately 25,000 feet (7621m). Makai’s responsibilities will also include the design of a companion shallow water return water discharge pipe to a depth of at least 120’ (36.5m). It is anticipated that construction bidding on the offshore portion of this project will commence before the end of 2008.

Piscadera Seawater Air Conditioning System - Final Design Completion  - March 2008

In March of 2008, Makai completed the final design for the deep seawater intake pipeline, the return water pipeline and the pump station mechanical plant for a seawater air conditioning system to be built in the Piscadera region on the Caribbean Island of Curacao. This 3000 ton air conditioning system will supply cooling to 4 hotels and a power plant. A 915mm, 6 kilometer long intake pipeline extending to an intake depth of 850m has been designed, and construction is anticipated in late 2008.

Oswego Lake Interceptor Sewer Upgrade Final Design  - January 2008

For several years Makai has been working in a collaborative design role with Brown and Caldwell of Portland, Oregon in the design of a unique floating sewer interceptor pipeline. This high density polyethylene pipeline will be the world’s first submerged floating gravity flow sewage interceptor system. It will be installed down the length of Lake Oswego, outside of Portland, Oregon. It will replace an aging pile mounted concrete pipeline that has been found to be susceptible to seismic damage. The new pipeline will be held in place by anchored pendants attached to the bedrock below the lake floor. Makai has been responsible for modeling the entire HDPE pipeline under various design loading scenarios including thermal variations, lake drawdown events and seismic events and general consultation on HDPE design and constructability issues. Construction of this project is due to begin in Fall 2008.

Rose Island SWAC  - Summer 2007

Makai was contracted by X-nth, Inc. to perform a preliminary study of the potential for using Sea Water Air Conditioning (SWAC) on Rose Island, Bahamas.

Deep water mooring design  - Summer 2007

Makai was contracted by Fishing Island, Inc. to design a single point mooring in a water depth of 6,000 feet, 3 miles offshore of Kailua Kona, Hawaii.

Hydrothermal Cooling  - Summer 2007

The Economist in their June 7th, 2007 edition published a story regarding the City of Toronto using deep cold water from Lake Ontario to cool office and apartment buildings. Makai designed the deployment procedure critical to installing the pipelines to 83 meters depth.

The world's first commercial deep seawater air-conditioning system (SWAC)  - Summer 2007

On May 1st, 2006, the InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora, began operating the world’s first commercial deep seawater air-conditioning system, designed by Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc.  The new hotel’s pipeline supplies frigid 5°C (41°F) pure seawater from 900 meters (2950 feet) deep to eliminate typical air conditioner machinery driven by large electric motors. The system will save approximately $400,000 of electricity each year, a 90% energy reduction.

Makai to design a SWAC system for Curacao  - September, 2006

SeaCon International has awarded Makai a Sea Water Air Conditioning system design for Curacao. 

Conceptual Design for a Deep Ocean Pipeline in Mauritius - July, 2006

The Mauritius Research Council has contracted Makai to perform "A Conceptual Design and Economic Assessment for a Deep Ocean Intake Pipeline and Return Water Pipeline Within the Context of Land-Based Oceanic Industry, Republic of Mauritius". Seen to the left is Makai engineer Dale Jensen briefing the Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation on the scope of the project and divers performing a preliminary survey of the site.

Preliminary Design for a Deep Ocean Pipeline in the Republic of Korea - January, 2006

Makai has been awarded a contract to offer design services for a deep ocean intake and return water pipeline for The Blue Ocean World Project located in the Republic of Korea. The primary use will be for bottling deep ocean drinking water.

Marine Technology Society Award  - September, 2005

OTEC Conceptual Study Recommended for Phase II Work  - August 2005

The Office of Naval Research Small Business Innovation Research Office has recommended Makai Ocean Engineering perform the 2nd phase of a study titled: "Integration and Optimization of Hydrogen Production with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Technology in Offshore Floating Platforms."

Seawater Air Conditioning Feasibility  for Islands            - August 2005

Makai recently finished seawater air conditioning feasibility studies for  Tahiti Electric Company &  Guam Power Authority. 

Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning featured on Environmental News Network   - April 5, 2005

The Environmental News Network covers an Associated Press story about Honolulu Seawater Air Conditioning. This renewable energy system will use a deep seawater intake pipeline to cool buildings throughout downtown Honolulu with the equivalent of 25,000 tons of ice per day.  Honolulu SWAC will cut electricity & pollution by 70%compared to today's air conditioning.

Intercontinental Resort Bora Bora  - December 2004

Makai is providing design and construction management services to InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa Bora Bora  for the Sea Water Air Conditioning system featured at the exclusive resort. The ocean pipeline will provide cold, very pure seawater from 850 meters deep.  Pipeline assembly is in progress.

The AC of Tomorrow? Tapping Deep Water for Cooling        September 10, 2004

Click Here to read the National Geographic News story describing Deep Lake Water Air Conditioning at Toronto, Cornell University and the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii.

Deep Outfall Complete at Everett WA - August 2004

Makai Ocean Engineering performed the design and construction observation of a 350' deep outfall pipeline for The City of Everett and the Kimberly-Clark Company.  Completed on time and under budget, the multi-diffuser outfall has 80 ports easily opened by an ROV.

Pipelines Installed for Enwave Deep Lake Water Cooling   - August 27, 2003

Enwave to launch $180m energy project for the City of Toronto

The three deep water intake pipelines for the $180 million project to provide environmentally friendly cooling to Toronto's downtown core have been installed. Each pipeline is 5 km long and 1.6 meters in diameter. Enwave Deep Lake Water Cooling Solutions (tm) will draw cold water from Lake Ontario to air condition downtown buildings. Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc. determined anchoring requirements, assisted in the design and provided deployment analysis and specifications for these pipelines.

HOST Park 55" Pipeline Wins National Award -April 4, 2003

The HOST Park Seawater Supply Pipeline, the world’s deepest large diameter seawater intake pipeline, was selected as one of six finalists for the 2003 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement (OCEA) Award by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The survey,  conceptual and final design, and construction observation for this project was performed by Makai Ocean Engineering.

Pipeline for Cornell University Still in the News  - ASHRAE Journal -  April 2002

The cover story of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers showed Makai's pipeline (designed during 1999) being towed to its installation on Cayuga Lake.  

Also, Cornell University will win a unique award from the Ecological Society of America for this "green" renewable energy project that cuts electricity use by 87%. 

3,000 Feet Under the Sea  -  The Insider, published by The Plastics Pipe Institute - Winter 2002 

The world's longest and deepest cold seawater  intake was installed October 11 and 12, 2001 at Keahole Pt., Hawaii.

In a 3-day assembly and deployment operation, the flanged sections were joined into one 9,000'-long pipe segment, towed 27 miles and deployed using a controlled submergence process...  Engineers from NELHA's consultant, Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc. chose about 10,000 feet of HDPE pipe in 55-inch and 63-inch diameters.

Makai-Designed Pipeline Earns Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award - June 25, 2001

The Lake Source Cooling Project at Cornell University has been selected as the New York State Society of Professional Engineer's 2001 Outstanding Engineering Achievement. This award recognizes outstanding engineering achievements that have captured the innovative and dynamic spirit of a profession dedicated to public service.

Natural Resources:  University Turns to Nearby Lake for Cooling, Reduces Energy Use by 87 Percent   -  District Energy Magazine - 2nd Quarter 2001

By W.S. Joyce, PE, Cornell University.

The Lake Source Cooling (LSC) project at Cornell University uses a renewable resource - the deep, cold waters of nearby Cayuga Lake - as a noncontact cooling source for the campus chilled water system. The $58 million project began providing 16,000 tons of cooling to 4 million sq ft, or about 40 percent, of the campus in July 2000, with an 87 percent reduction in energy use compared to conventional cooling alternatives. The overall environmental benefits included a 20 million kWh/year reduction in electricity use, reduced coal combustion, and associated reductions in CO2 emissions and acid rain precursors.