Budi Gunawan recognized for marine renewable-energy advances
Sandia engineer Budi Gunawan recently received the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers prestigious Professional Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work in marine energy and river hydrodynamics.
“To be recognized at this level for something that is already so rewarding is quite an honor,” Budi said.
Seeking solutions
As a youngster, Budi was intrigued by the dynamics of water flow, especially after heavy rainfalls, in a river near his home. He observed fast-moving water navigating paths of less resistance, often interrupted by rocks and boulders. He watched as the water flow slowed and dissipated its hydrokinetic energy, sometimes damaging nearby infrastructure.
Budi channeled his early interests in math, physics and nature to become a civil hydraulic engineer, focusing on flood flow measurements and modeling during his graduate studies. His rising expertise led him to Sandia in 2013, where he researched marine energy technologies, studying how to harness hydrokinetic energy from rivers, tidal channels and man-made canals.
One of the key challenges faced by marine energy technologies is the harsh environment in which they are deployed, according to Budi. These technologies, positioned in rivers and oceans, can be damaged by biofouling, sediments, salt and debris such as logs and ice sheets. “We are fortunate that Sandia has many capabilities for verifying the integrity of components and devices,” he said.
Two such capabilities are Sandia’s Drop Tower facility and its Structural Mechanics Laboratory. “Last year, we performed drop-testing of novel torpedo anchor technologies,” he said. “The anchors can lower the cost of mooring systems required to keep wave energy converters in place when deployed in the ocean. We also successfully verified the structural performance of tidal turbine blades and their novel fiber optic load measurement system.”
Currently, Budi is designing a new physical testing facility for wave energy mooring lines and umbilical cables. “We expect to begin construction in 2026,” he said. “It should go a long way in helping us better understand the loading dynamics on lines and cables used in marine energy applications and beyond.”
Growing body of work
Over the years, Budi’s research portfolio has surged into areas like fiber-optic and hydrodynamic sensor development, component and system testing, and numerical modeling. His work has led to numerous research partnerships with national and international developers and university researchers, as well as collaborations with other departments within Sandia. “Marine energy in the U.S. has the potential to fulfill more than 50% of our country’s electricity needs,” Budi said.
Budi’s work in environmental fluid dynamics, hydraulic engineering, and marine and hydrokinetic energy has also resulted in several appointments, including serving as a U.S. representative expert for the International Electrotechnical Commission committees that develop standards and as Sandia’s representative for IEC Renewable Energy. He has also served as associate editor of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Journal of Hydraulic Engineering.
Filling the pool
This promise for the future energizes Budi beyond advancing water-power technology. He is engaging numerous young engineers to continue the next generation of marine energy work. “We’re performing numerous experiments with capable university students,” he said. “They’re bringing new ideas and perspectives that yield results. We’re focused on developing the workforce while conducting the research.”
In addition to engaging university students, Budi actively promotes STEM in the local community, including special lectures at the University of New Mexico, engineering demonstrations at the Isleta Pueblo Head Start, and judging New Mexico’s Future City Competition and Albuquerque Institute for Math and Science Expo. He also guides elementary school students on field trips to the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park to learn about water treatment and conservation in Albuquerque.
“It’s important to help young students realize their potential and provide insight into what it takes to work in an engineering field,” Budi said. “Working with these kids creates new perspectives and possibilities for us all.”