Kyle Pappas hneieditor October 8, 2024

Kyle Pappas

Junior Researcher
Wave Energy

Kyle earned his Master of Science in Ocean and Resources Engineering from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2023, following a Bachelor of Science in Oceanic and Atmospheric Science from the University of California, San Diego in 2020. During his undergraduate studies, Kyle conducted research on wave-driven coastal flooding in Imperial Beach, CA, developing his appreciation for the power of ocean waves.

At UH, his research focused on the development of wave energy converters (WECs) and their power take-offs (PTOs), specifically focusing on the oscillating wave surge energy converter and oscillating water column. His thesis focuses on the fluid structure interaction and structural optimization of oscillating wave surge energy converters utilizing two-way coupled finite element analysis with CFD in LS Dyna. He also developed skills in hydrodynamic analysis utilizing programs such as orcaflex and WEC-Sim.

In 2024, Kyle’s role at HNEI focuses on various wave energy R&D projects, most notably those at the Hawaii Marine Energy Center (HMEC). His work involves conducting structural and hydrodynamic analysis, designing and improving WEC PTO concepts, and incorporating control strategies to enhance overall efficiency of various WEC concepts.