Floating structure for effecting energy transformation from sea water

US4312288A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Dyckerhoff & Widmann Aktiengesellschaft · DE

Inventors

• Klemens Finsterwalder · Mörlbach, DE
• Erich Aigner · Munich, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 12, 1978
• Grant date: Jan 26, 1982
• Expiry date: Sep 12, 1998

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/30
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A floating structure is used for transforming thermal energy in sea water into another form of energy, such as electrical energy. The structure consists of a floating body with a tube extending downwardly from the center of the body for a considerable depth into the water for drawing cooler water upwardly for use in the energy transformation process. The floating body may be a single floating element or a group of such elements connected together, preferably in a symmetrical arrangement. The floating element includes a downwardly open air chamber in its lower surface. The outer wall of the air chamber forms a number of passageways for drawing warmer sea water upwardly from near the water surface for use in the energy transformation process.