Welcome to the Nov 2024 monthly meeting for the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society (OES), San Diego Chapter, which is hosting this meeting jointly along with TMA (The Maritime Alliance), MTS (Marine Technology Society), and the IEEE CN (Consultants Network) Affinity Group. We are also happy to partner with San Diego's IEEE WIE (Women In Engineering) Affinity Group. Oceaneers events are always inclusive and supportive.
This month's presentation will be given by Dr. Michael Porter of OceanWell. OceanWell is developing an environmentally responsible submerged reverse osmosis system to harvest fresh water from the deep sea. Unlike the heavy industrial desalination process typically conducted on land, OceanWell passively extracts freshwater from the deep ocean without harming marine life. Its LifeSafe circulation system is gentle on fish and plankton, and effectively eliminates the strong brine discharge and land use requirements that plague coastal operations. OceanWell also uses 30-40% less energy than conventional RO by leveraging the hydrostatic pressure of the deep ocean to drive the RO process. At about 400 meters deep in the aphotic zone—yet elevated above the seabed to prevent benthic disturbance—the dark, high-pressure environment provides a clearer, colder supply of seawater requiring minimal pretreatment and no chemicals. As our technology matures, OceanWell is seeking support for our ongoing pilot program, commercial systems engineering, and future project development.
Please join us for the main presentation from OceanWell and also plenty of time for networking and friendly conversation about everything oceanic, engineering, science, Blue Tech, and more. No need to be an IEEE or OES member, or TMA, or MTS. Everyone is invited.
This month, we will be at Quantum Brewing again, a cool science-themed brewery founded by a biochemist.