Michael Bernitsas

Michael Bernitsas is a Professor at the University of Michigan's Department of Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, part of the College of Engineering. His research focuses on harnessing marine hydrokinetic energy through innovative systems like the VIVACE Converter, which converts energy from water flow without dams or turbines. He leads the Marine Renewable Energy Laboratory, emphasizing scalable, environmentally friendly energy solutions. His work on vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) and flow instabilities has led to breakthroughs in power density and applications ranging from 1 Watt to hundreds of megawatts. Key projects include prototype testing in the St. Clair River and exploration of synergistic cylinder dynamics for enhanced energy capture. Bernitsas' contributions bridge fluid mechanics, mechanical engineering, and sustainable energy, with applications in aquaculture and community resilience.

His research themes include turbulence control, nonlinear oscillators, and hybrid energy systems combining currents and waves. He has pioneered methods to mimic fish-school kinematics for optimizing energy extraction while minimizing environmental disruption. Recent work explores low-velocity tidal energy and multi-cylinder array configurations. The VIVACE Converter’s design, validated through extensive experimental and computational studies, demonstrates transformative potential for marine energy harvesting.