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Name​ Eric Joseph Pereira
Programme     PhD in Civil Engineering
University Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Year 2022 - Present
Academic Background
  • B. Eng. (Civil), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 2017
  • M.Sc. (Civil), Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 2021
Professional Experience
  • Research assistant, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 2003 – 2006
  • Civil Engineer, ABC Construction Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, 2007 – Present
  • Structural Research Assistant, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Sept 2015 – Dec 2015
  • Structural Maintenance Engineer Trainee, Upstream Business Petronas, Sept 2016 – May 2017
  • Graduate Research Assistant (MSc), Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Jan 2018 – March 2020
  • Fund Accountant, Royal Bank Of Canada, July 2020 – Dec 2021
  • Coastal Engineering Research Assistant, Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Jan 2022 – March 2023
  • Graduate Research Assistant(PhD), UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI PETRONAS, March 2023 – Currently
Thesis Title Performance Characteristics of An Oscillating Water Column Integrated With A Decommissioned Offshore Oil Platform
Supervisor Ts. Dr. Teh Hee Min, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
Field Supervisor Prof. Dr. Pietro Scandura, University of Catania
Abstract

The Earth's surface is covered by 70% water and holds an abundant number of untapped resources from wave energy. Wave energy propagates on the surface of the sea in deepwater regions and begins shoaling as it approaches the shoreline, where it loses a portion of its energy. Wave energy is best harvested in offshore locations where wave energy is concentrated, such as offshore oil platforms used for oil and gas extraction. Approximately 33% of offshore platforms located in Malaysia are set to be decommissioned because they are no longer producing oil. Reusing these platforms for alternative purposes, such as research centers or diving resorts, has always been a priority, but it requires a source of energy. Therefore, retrofitting Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs) on the waterline of the platforms would enable the production of clean, renewable energy from the surrounding wave energy effectively. However, the wave climate in Malaysia has a low concentration of wave energy, which necessitates modifications to the design and geometry of the OWC to enhance wave energy extraction. The conversion of wave energy into pneumatic energy (air pressure fluctuation) that drives the piston is primarily influenced by the geometry of the water column within the OWC. In this research, we study the geometry and attachment mechanism of an OWC to identify the most optimal configuration for the low wave climate in Malaysia. Various configurations are numerically analyzed in the first phase to study the factors affecting wave energy absorption for offshore platforms. In the second phase, the most optimal design will be fabricated for physical modeling at a 1:10 scale in a wave flume. This study aims to modify the shape of the conventional OWC and investigate the influence of wave steepness, water depth, and attachment conditions on its performance characteristics.

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PhD Journey

​​Date
Milestones & Activities
​​​​Photos & Evidence
Short Description
​July 2022
​​Preparation of Research Proposal for PhD​


I carried out a literature review of the topic on OWCs and highlighted key points to be studied during the research period. Additionally, I prepared a preliminary executive summary for submission to UTP as a part of the admission requirements for the PhD program.
July – Dec 2022
Involved in the research team for the Design and Deployment of H-Float floating breakwater in Pantai Segari, Perak.
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The H-Float is an innovative floating breakwater designed and built in-house by UTP as part of our efforts to advance industrial commercialization. I was involved in the site surveying, designing, fabrication, and deployment of the H-Float into the sea for site testing over a period of one month. The activities conducted during the project significantly contributed to my exposure in the field of coast​al engineering.
August 15th -28th 2022

COME: Coastal and Marine Sustainability Enacted Summer School 2022, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS & Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 
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The H-Float is an innovative floating breakwater designed and built in-house by UTP as part of our efforts to advance industrial commercialization. I was involved in the site surveying, designing, fabrication, and deployment of the H-Float into the sea for site testing over a period of one month. The activities conducted during the project significantly contributed to my exposure in the field of coastal engineering.
15th March 2023

Programme registration for PhD course with UTP

I provided the offer letter from UTP and completed the official registration process as a PhD candidate at University Teknologi PETRONAS. I also commenced work on reporting for the research proposal defense and conducted numerical simulations for the model in Phase 1 of the experiment to obtain preliminary results. Additionally, I made preparations for a research attachment program at the University of Catania, Italy.
20th March – 2nd April 2023

Research Attachment Program to Universiti of Catania, Italy with Prof Pietro Scandura.
Prof. Pietro Scandura is an expert in the design of OWCs and the numerical analysis of U-OWC systems attached to shoreline breakwaters, with a particular focus on a real-life example located in the Civitavecchia Port in Italy. His expertise and experience in the field of numerical analysis of hydraulic structures, especially OWCs, will make a significant contribution to the preliminary design stage of the OWC suitable for application on offshore platforms in this PhD project.
2nd May 2023
Appointed to lead the Graduate Affairs Bureau (I) of Postgraduate Student Council (PGSC) of University Teknologi PETRONAS​​​


Given the opportunity to be part of the committee of postgraduate students at UTP, overseeing the affairs and activities for the holistic development of postgraduate students. The job scope involved planning activities to improve students' studying conditions as well as their work-life balance. I planned and hosted activities such as the PGSC Farewell and participated in conducting surveys aimed at enhancing student experience and developing facilities.
7th June 2023

Thesis Pitching Competition organized by UniKL
The Thesis Pitching Competition was hosted by UniKL, inviting partner universities under the umbrella of MARE in Malaysia to participate. The competition required a 5-minute recorded video pitching our research topic.
10th – 23rd July 2023

Research Attachment Program with Students from Italy visiting Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. Follow up on Research Progress with Prof Pietro Scandura.
​​26th July 2023
Participated in TropSC Pre-Conference Webinar: International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem 
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The International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems focused on the "Protection and Restoration of Mangrove Ecosystems in the Tropics." It featured lectures from various experts in the field of mangrove restoration and rehabilitation.

 


How do MARE programmes contribute to your PhD journey?

The MARE Programme has played a crucial role in my research journey as it provided the initial platform for networking and exposure to various participants and subject matter experts from around the globe. The activities hosted as part of the MARE initiative include the Summer School Program and Research Attachment Programs for students from participating universities. Through the Summer School Program, I was exposed to unique topics such as ecosystem services and nature-based solutions, which are still in development by authorities in Malaysia. The two-week Research Attachment Program in Italy provided the opportunity to further develop the research topic on Oscillating Water Columns for low-wave climate conditions.


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DISCLAIMER: 

​​This publication material is designed for the Marine Coastal and Delta Sustainability for Southeast Asia (MARE) (Project No. 610327-EPP-1-2019-1-DE-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP).  This project is funded by the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be made responsible for any use which may be made from the information contained herein.
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