Dr Alan Henry

Senior Research Engineer, Aquamarine Power

Visiting Research Fellow at QUB

HDip Mechanical Engineering, Carlow Institute of Technology

BEng Mechanical Engineering, Queen’s University

PhD Civil Engineering, Queen’s University

The Hydrodynamic of Small Seabed Mounted Bottom Hinged Wave Energy Converters

On obtaining a Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University of Belfast Dr. Alan Henry joined the Wave Power Research Group at Queen’s University to study for his PhD. His research focused on the hydrodynamics of the Oscillating Wave Surge Converter, a bottom hinged, flap type, wave energy converter in shallow water. 

During his PhD, Aquamarine Power Ltd. was set up to develop the Oscillating Wave Surge Converter concept, which is now known as Oyster®.

Alan joined Aquamarine Power Ltd. in January 2009 and is now research engineer at Aquamarine Power Ltd.

Research interests

Loads, fatigue, extreme seas, impact loads, modal analysis

Performance optimisation

Fundamental Hydrodynamics

Concept testing

Physical modelling

WAMIT

Installation and operation modelling

Project work

Interests,

Alan is a keen dinghy sailor and competes in various national and regional events throughout the year. In the winter months he enjoys surfing in Ireland and has had some trips aboard to warmer waters. Alan also enjoys mountain-biking, hillwalking and a little skateboarding. As a charity worker Alan will climb to Everest base camp in November 2012 to raise money for Children in Crossfire. Alan is a member of the environmental group in Aquamarine Power and the Marine Renewable Energy Group at Queen’s where he helps to tackle environmental issues such as recycling and energy consumption and to raise social awareness.