Gulf Coast Center of Excellence · Research
Research
Applied research projects, tools, and publications from GCCOE students working on industrial energy, water, and process efficiency — supported by the U.S. Department of Energy MESC award.
About Our Research
The Gulf Coast Center of Excellence (GCCoE) leads a broad research agenda in support of Texas A&M University and the national ITAC (Industrial Training and Assessment Centers) Program. Our research spans the full range of industrial energy systems — including compressed air, steam systems, chillers, and other core utility infrastructure — with the goal of identifying practical, high-impact ways for manufacturers to reduce energy waste and operating costs. As a hub for the Gulf Coast region, GCCoE coordinates closely with regional assessment centers, state energy offices, and industry partners to keep this research grounded in the real challenges facilities face on the plant floor.
That research takes shape in several forms: smart diagnostic tools and sensing technologies that make energy assessments faster and more precise, curriculum and training materials that prepare the next generation of energy engineers, and educational resources that make this knowledge accessible to students, technicians, and manufacturers alike. We’re also actively exploring how artificial intelligence can strengthen this work, from improving diagnostic accuracy to making assessment tools smarter and more responsive. Through this combination of applied research, technology development, and education, GCCoE continues to expand the reach and impact of the ITAC Program across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
No projects match your search. Try a different keyword or category.
Featured Research Projects
Active
Leveraging Satellite Imagery for Industrial Energy Efficiency
Pairing publicly available satellite data with artificial intelligence to reveal industrial energy opportunities at scale, across four fronts: onsite generation for mining and minerals, wastewater aeration efficiency, solar PV and grid stability, and thermal pre-assessment of waste heat.
Caleb McDougal See Project Details →
Active
Integrated Process Design and Energy Optimization for Mineral Recovery from Oilfield Brines
Recovering valuable minerals from oilfield brines through evaporation, crystallization, and selective separation, with a focus on integrating these steps into one energy-optimized process that supports resource recovery and water reuse. This project is in its early stages.
Maryam Roshanaei See Project Details →
Active
Industrial Utilities Curriculum & Resource Development
Building self-paced curriculum, website infrastructure, and standardized audit tools that support the ITAC industrial utility analysis program.
Hannah Farias See Project Details →
Active
CAGI Data Repository
Creating a user-friendly repository of 4,000+ CAGI compressor spec sheets for air compressor analysis.
Aaron Batzer See Project Details →
Active
Compressed-air Diagnostics Analytics & Statistics Hub (C-DASH)
A self-contained compressed air analysis system built for manufacturers and student analysts.
Digvijaysinh Barad See Project Details →
Completed
Intelligent Compressed Air Storage System for Manufacturing Facilities with Intermittent Demand of Compressed Air
This research introduces an intelligent compressed air storage system featuring a flow control system, optimized reserve tank sizing, and an advanced detection system to reduce leaks and energy consumption during downtimes while ensuring operational stability.
Taeksoo Kim See Project Details →Research in Action: Videos
Digvijaysinh Barad, Compressed-air Diagnostics, Analytics, and Statistics Hub (C-DASH)
Hannah Farias, Industrial Utilities Curriculum and Resource Development
Hannah Farias and Jenna Hopper, Industrial Utilities Curriculum and Resource Development
Current Researchers
Digvijaysinh Barad
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student Mechanical Engineering
Digvijaysinh is a doctoral student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station. His research focuses on developing and demonstrating novel tools and methods to enhance energy efficiency of industrial compressed air systems. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and earned his Bachelor of Technology from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, India, in 2019.
Aaron Batzer
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student Mechanical Engineering
Aaron is a current PhD student in the department of mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station.
Abrar Sobhan Chowdhury
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student Mechanical Engineering
Abrar is a current PhD student in the department of mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station.
Hannah Farias
Graduate Research Assistant, M.S. Mechanical Engineering
Hannah is a masters student in the department of mechanical engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station. She specializes in industrial energy efficiency education and workforce training. She received her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University in 2024.
Caleb McDougal
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student Mechanical Engineering
Caleb is a doctoral student at Texas A&M University College Station. His research focuses on the modelling and optimal control and scheduling of industrial energy systems. He is interested in uncovering new insights to improve systems of the future as well as developing readily applicable tools for adding value to industrial energy users.
Maryam Roshanaei
Graduate Research Assistant, PhD Student Mechanical Engineering
Maryam is a doctoral student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station. Her research focuses on process integration and energy optimization for resource recovery and sustainable industrial operations.
Past Researchers
Publications, Posters & Presentations
Tools & Equipment Available
iPhone Infrared Camera
FLIR FlirOne Pro. Identifies degraded insulation.
Hot-Wire Anemometer
TSI VelociCalc. Measures air flow velocity/volume, temperature, and humidity in ventilation ducts.
Anemometer
HoldPeak HP-866B. Measures wind speed.
Combustion Analyzer
Bacharach Fyrite InsightPlus. Measures combustion efficiency of industrial boilers.
Light Level Sensor
ExTech SDL400. Measures ambient light level.
Light Ballast Discriminator
SensorSwitch BD1. Detects electronic or magnetic light ballasts.
Laser Distance Sensor
Bosch GLR225. Measures distance between two points.
Voltmeter
Fluke 3000FC. Measures electrical voltage.
Current Sensor
Fluke a3000FC. Measures electrical current.
Vibration Meter
Test Products International 9080. Measures vibration of electrical motors.
Leakshooter
Synergys LKS1000-V3-PLUS. Identifies leaks in steam traps and compressed air systems.
Digital Pressure Gauge
Baker Instruments B50500. Measures instantaneous pressure in a pneumatic line.
Diameter Measuring Tape
Perfect Measuring Tape. Used for measuring traditional length and cylindrical items.
Data-Loggers & Sensors
Motor On/Off
Onset Computer UX90-004. Measures motor on/off schedule.
Temperature/Humidity
Onset Computer UX100-003. Measures room temperature and humidity.
Light/Occupancy
Onset Computer UX90-006. Identifies room occupancy schedule.
Analog Input Module
Onset Computer UX120-006. Measures 4 external analog outputs — current, pressure, voltage, temperature, velocity, and more.
Analog Input Module (Bluetooth)
Onset Computer MX-1105. Measures 4 external analog outputs — current, pressure, voltage, temperature, velocity, and more — with Bluetooth connectivity.
Current Clamp
Onset Computer CTV Series (A–E). Measures electrical current.
Pressure Gauge
Onset Computer T-ASH-G2-200. Measures gauge pressure.
Interested in Getting Involved?
Students, faculty, and industrial partners are welcome to reach out about joining a project, proposing new research, or hosting an assessment.