Method and system for harvesting hydrothermal energy
US8633004B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC10L3/108
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for extracting fuel gases from an underwater plume emitted from an underwater hydrothermal vent includes the step of collecting via an underwater fluid collector an underwater plume emitted from the hydrothermal vent. The underwater plume includes methane and hydrogen. The method further includes a step of directing a first fluid containing the underwater plume into a first inlet of a first underwater heat exchanger and a second fluid into a second inlet of the first underwater heat exchanger. The second fluid at the second inlet is at a temperature sufficiently lower than the temperature of the first fluid to transfer sufficient heat therebetween to form methane hydrate and hydrogen-methane hydrate in the first fluid. The method further includes the step of conveying the methane hydrate and hydrogen-methane hydrate to the surface of the water body via a duct connected to a first outlet of the first heat exchanger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.