Methods and apparatus for ocean thermal energy conversion using metal hydride heat exchangers
US4781029A · kind A · utility
54Cited by
6References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1987 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for ocean thermal energy conversion using metal hydride heat exchangers to power a turbine by desorbing and absorbing hydrogen gas. Heat exchangers are alternatively floated to the ocean surface to warm the metal hydride bed or sunk to the bottom to cool the bed. The turbine powers an electric generator which produces electricity which may be utilized directly, stored in a superconducting magnet, used to desalinate water, or used to power the electrolysis of water in order to produce hydrogen for use as a fuel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.