Method and apparatus for transferring cold seawater upward from the lower depths of the ocean to improve the efficiency of ocean thermal energy conversion systems
US4311012A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jan 19, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for transferring cold seawater from lower ocean depths upward toward sea level for use in ocean thermal energy conversion systems is disclosed wherein an in situ desalination process is utilized to create a density differential between the desalinated water and the surrounding seawater. The desalinated water being of a lesser density than the surrounding seawater, rises naturally upward through a conduit and is utilized as a heat transfer medium in the ocean thermal energy conversion system. The desalinated water, which is a byproduct of the energy conversion system, may be utilized for domestic consumption or alternatively dispersed into the near surface region (photic zone) of the ocean to increase the nutrient concentration therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.