System for exploiting the thermal energy at the bottom of the ocean

Abstract

An apparatus for exploiting the thermal energy at the bottom of the ocean. The apparatus comprises a thermal energy harnessing assembly and a drilling assembly mounted thereto. The thermal energy harnessing assembly includes in-feed tube and out-feed tubes. The drilling assembly has openings in fluid communication with the in-feed tube and a thermal energy capturing conduit in fluid communication with the out-feed tube. When the drilling assembly engages a bottom surface of the ocean and fluid is introduced into the in-feed tube, fluid flows towards the drilling assembly and out of the openings at such a pressure as to drill into the bottom surface of the ocean allowing thermal energy to escape therefrom and to flow into the out-feed tube via the thermal energy capturing conduit.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to systems and methods for exploiting thermal energy. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to systems for exploiting the thermal energy at the bottom of the ocean.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Energy alternatives are pressing worldwide concerns due to climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.[0003]An alternative of interest is harnessing the hydrothermal energy at the bottom of the ocean by using heat sources such as volcanoes or rifts. Still more interesting is drilling into the earth at the bottom of the ocean in order to access the vast amounts of thermal energy that can be used to produce electricity among other uses.[0004]Conventional techniques of drilling into the earth crust at the bottom of the ocean cannot provide for creating deep tunnels therein that can truly take advantage of the extremely high temperatures available and as such meet global energy...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an apparatus for exploiting thermal energy at the bottom of the ocean. This includes an in-feed tube and an out-feed tube, with a drilling assembly in between. The drilling assembly has openings in fluid communication with the in-feed tube and the out-feed tube. The apparatus can drill a tunnel within the ocean floor and capture the thermal energy released from the drilled tunnel for surface exploitation. The invention also provides a tunnel reinforcement assembly for reinforcing the drilled tunnel. The technical effects of the invention include efficient exploitation of thermal energy and improved stability of the drilled tunnel."

Problems solved by technology

Energy alternatives are pressing worldwide concerns due to climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.

Conventional techniques of drilling into the earth crust at the bottom of the ocean cannot provide for creating deep tunnels therein that can truly take advantage of the extremely high temperatures available and as such meet global energy demands.

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