System and method for subsea propulsion and energy harvesting using current shear
US10272979B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 11, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T70/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A subsea system for exploiting an oceanic current shear includes a first vehicle positionable in a first oceanic current and tethered to a second vehicle positionable in a second oceanic current. The first and second oceanic currents have a velocity differential. A drag or lift device integral or attached to the first vehicle exerts a force through the tether on the second vehicle and its associated drag or lift device, thus providing a net propulsive force. Hydrofoils or control devices attached to the vehicles provide hydrodynamic lift, drag, and/or depth control that allow the direction of the force to be controlled for propulsion in a desired direction. The relative currents and/or change in separation of the vehicles can be used for energy harvesting. Turbines and generators coupled to the vehicles harvest energy for long term subsea endurance. A sensor aperture comprises a plurality of sensors coupled to components of the subsea system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.