A system for allowing upwelling and downwelling

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system that is intended to be located in a water body such as sea or ocean and is configured to controllably perform upwelling of water or downwelling of water. By performing such a controlled vertical relocation of water, the system can expedite carbon fixation in the depth of the oceans and other natural phenomena. The system comprises a conduit that is entirely submerged in the water and extends between atop end and a bottom end. An at least one top valve and an at least one bottom valve are located on two opposite sides of the conduit, respectively, and are controlled between states to allow a single conduit to selectively perform both downwelling and upwelling operations. Namely, different settings of the valves provide different modes of operations. Each valve can be switched between a constant open state that allows free flow of water therethrough and a unidirectional state that allows only flow of water into the internal volume of the conduit and blocks flow of water from the internal volume of the conduit outside.

Description

[0001] A SYSTEM FOR ALLOWING UPWELLING AND DOWNWELLING

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure is in the field of Greentech, in particular of carbon fixation techniques in the ocean.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0006] - US 2021 / 0301800

[0007] - US 2023 / 0147251

[0008] - WO 2022 / 250543

[0009] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0010] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present disclosure provides a system that is intended to be located in a water body such as sea or ocean and is configured to controllably perform upwelling of water or downwelling of water. By performing such a controlled vertical relocation of water, the system can expedite carbon fixation in the depth of the oceans and other natural phenomena. The system comprises a conduit that is entirely submerged in the water and extends between atop end and a bottom end. An at least one top valve and an at least one bottom valve are located on two opposite sides of the conduit, respectively, and are controlled between states to allow a single conduit to selectively perform both downwelling and upwelling operations. Namely, different settings of the valves provide different modes of operations. Each valve can be switched between a constant open state that allows free flow of water therethrough and a unidirectional state that allows only flow of water into the internal volume of the conduit and blocks flow of water from the internal volume of the conduit outside. It is to be noted that a plurality of valves can be located at the bottom of the conduit or at the top of the conduit. For example, at a certain cross section of the conduit at the bottom or top portion of the conduit, several valves can operate. The valves can operate together and practically function as a single valve. The advantages of having a plurality of valves are: (1) redundancy in a case that one or more valves malfunctions; (2) ease of manufacturing - in case that the diameter of the conduit is large, e.g. a few meters, a valve of this size may be complicated for manufacturing and implementation, therefore replacing one big valve with a plurality of valves makes the solution much more practical; (3) providing a capability of selectively operating a desired number of valves to control the amount of water to pass into and out of the conduit.

[0012] The conduit is coupled by a coupling arrangement to a buoy that floats on the surface of the water and ensures that the conduit does not sink. By coupling the conduit to the buoy, the conduit moves up and down, according to the sea conditions. In other words, the conduit movement is depended on the relative movement of the buoy that is affected by the waves of the sea. The length of the conduit is typically a few hundreds of meters to allow upwelling of nutrients to facilitate the growth of microalgae and then to allow the downwelling of the algae containing the carbon to the depth in which an efficient fixation thereof occurs. The diameter of the conduit is typically a few meters.

[0013] Therefore, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a system for relocating water, namely, for allowing upwelling and downwelling. The system comprises a buoy for floating on a water surface. The system further comprises a conduit, that may be flexible or rigid, coupled to said buoy, such that the conduit is submerged in the water while being coupled to the buoy. The conduit is extending between a top portion, namely a portion that includes a top end, and a bottom portion, namely, a portion that includes a bottom end. The conduit defines an internal volume for allowing two-directional water flow therethrough between the top portion and the bottom portion. The direction of the flow of the water, either it is an upwelling flow or downwelling flow, is defined according to the states of the valves, as further explained below. The top portion is intended to be maintained shallower than the bottom portion that is intended to be maintained deeper than the top portion. The conduit comprises at least one top valve disposed at the top portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one top valve allows flow through the internal volume of the top portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one top valve is configured to be switched between a non- constant open state, in which it allows water flow into the internal volume of the top portion from the surrounding water and a closed state, in which the at least one top valve blocks water flow from the internal volume of the top portion to the surrounding water. When the at least one top valve is in the operation state, the switch between the nonconstant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water such that it is in its non-constant open state in response to upward movement of the conduit and in its closed state in response to downward movement of the conduit. In other words, when the at least one top valve is in operation mode, it is found in its non-constant open state upon application of pressure on it by the water from outside of the internal volume towards the internal volume and in its closed state upon application of pressure on it by the water from the internal volume towards the outside water. Namely, the at least one top valve has two main states - in the first, constant open state the valve is constantly open, allowing flow of water therethrough. When the at least one top valve is in the second, operation mode, it continuously switches its state between a non-constant open state and a closed state in response to the movement of the conduit in the water. The conduit further comprises at least one bottom valve disposed at the bottom portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one bottom valve allows water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one bottom valve is configured to be switched between a non-constant open state, in which it allows water flow into the internal volume of the bottom portion from the surrounding water and a closed state, in which the at least one bottom valve blocks water flow from the internal volume of the bottom portion to the surrounding water. When the at least one bottom valve is in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water such that it is in its non-constant open state in response to downward movement of the conduit and in its closed state in response to upward movement of the conduit. In other words, when the at least one bottom valve is in operation mode, it is found in its non-constant open state upon application of pressure on it by the water from the internal volume towards the outside water and in its closed state upon application of pressure on it by from the outside water towards the internal volume. Namely, the at least one bottom valve has two main states - in the first, constant open state the valve is constantly open, allowing flow of water therethrough. When the at least one botom valve is in the second, operation mode, it continuously switches its state between a non-constant open state and a closed state in response to the movement of the conduit in the water. By seting one of the valves in a constant open state and the other in an operation state, it allows to perform either downwelling or upwelling. Therefore, if the at least one botom valve is in a constant open state and the at least one top valve is in an operation state, the conduit allows to perform downwelling; and if the at least one botom valve is in an operation state and the at least one top valve is in a constant open state, the conduit allows to perform upwelling.

[0014] In other words, the operation state is a unidirectional state that allows water to flow into the internal volume from the respective end that the respective valve is proximal to and blocks water to flow out from the internal volume through the respective end the respective valve is proximal to.

[0015] It is to be understood that the at least one botom valve and the at least one top valve can be either a single valve or a plurality of valves. In case that there is a plurality of valves, the plurality of valves operate together to obtain a similar functionality as a single valve. It is to be noted that the number of operating valves at a specific desired mode can be controlled. For example, while some of the valves can operate in a unidirectional mode, the other valves may be closed, not allowing passage of water therethrough. This may give another degree of freedom in the control of the amount of water passing into and out of the conduit, which may be required in different conditions of the sea.

[0016] The system further comprises a processing circuitry that is configured to receive input data indicative of a desired direction flow of water and to control the states of the at least one botom valve and the at least one top valve to result in the desired direction flow of water, namely either upwelling or downwelling, based on the input data. It is to be noted that the valves can be either passive valves, in which the change of their states in the operation mode occurs passively without any controlled mechanism, e.g. electronic element, or can occur actively by an execution command of the processing circuitry that receives an input from a sensor of the movement direction of the conduit and sets accordingly the state of the valves. The switch between the operation mode and the constant open state is performed by the processing circuitry. The input data can be received from sensors that are disposed on the conduit or part of the system or disposed or can be received from an external source that is intended to control it and optionally a few more like systems to create a desired area effect of downwelling or upwelling of carbon or nutrients. For example, the input data can be received through a satellite communication or any long distance communication technique.

[0017] It is to be noted that any combination of the described embodiments with respect to any aspect of this present disclosure is applicable. In other words, any aspect of the present disclosure can be defined by any combination of the described embodiments.

[0018] In some embodiments of the system, the buoy is coupled to the top portion or to the top end defined in the top portion.

[0019] In some embodiments of the system, a buoyance level of the buoy is controllable. This allows to control the level of the water surface with respect to the buoy such that a portion of the buoy is submerged and a portion of it maintains above the water. For example, in stormy weather, the buoyance is reduced as long as there are wavy conditions. In any condition, the buoyance remains positive so as to prevent the system from sinking.

[0020] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a communication unit configured for receiving or transmitting communication. The communication comprises data indicative of at least one of: sea vessel approach, concentration of algae in the surrounding of the system, current and wind direction forecast, velocity and intensity of the wind and forecast thereof, the position of the system, oceanographic parameters, etc.

[0021] In some embodiments of the system, the communication being received or transmitted by the communication unit is satellite communication.

[0022] In some embodiments of the system, the communication unit is further configured to transmit communication, either to a like system or to a satellite. The transmitted communication may include data indicative of the concentration of the algae in the surrounding of the system, the current condition of the sea in the location of the system, or any other relevant data.

[0023] In some embodiments of the system, the communication being received or transmitted by the communication unit is radio-frequency communication or hydroacoustic communication.

[0024] In some embodiments of the system, the communication unit is configured for transmitting and receiving communication either with a satellite, with like systems or with both satellite and like systems. In some embodiments of the system, the buoy accommodates a battery for supplying power to the system for any one of the consumers, such as communication unit, the processing circuitry, the propeller, etc.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more weights coupled to the bottom portion of the conduit, ensuring the desired orientation of the conduit such that the bottom portion maintains in the depths and the top portion maintains in a shallower depth. It is to be noted that the system can be deployed without weights, as the natural weight of the conduit may be sufficient to result in the desired orientation of the conduit.

[0026] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one top valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one top valve is in an operation state, the at least one top valve allows only downward flow of water towards the bottom portion and blocks upward flow of water. Namely, when in the operation mode, the at least one top valve is passive, and it only opens for water flow upon a pressure difference between the bottom portion and the top portion that results in a water flow towards the bottom portion.

[0027] In some embodiments of the system, the at least one bottom valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one bottom valve is in an operation state, the at least one bottom valve allows only upward flow of water towards the top portion and blocks downward flow of water. Namely, when in the operation mode, the at least one bottom valve is passive, and it only opens for water flow upon a pressure difference between the bottom portion and the top portion that results in a water flow towards the top portion.

[0028] In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of bottom valves. Namely, the at least one bottom valve is a plurality of bottom valves.

[0029] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to select the number of bottom valves to operate in each state based on the input data. The other valves that are not operating in the selected state either remain at a passive state allowing water to flow therethrough or remain at a closed state blocking water from flowing therethrough. The input data that can affect the number of operating valves, for example, is either the sea conditions, algae or nutrient concentration, number of functioning valves at the opposite side of the conduit, etc. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of top valves. Namely, the at least one top valve is a plurality of top valves.

[0030] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to select the number of top valves to operate in each state based on the input data. The other valves that are not operating in the selected state either remain at a passive state allowing water to flow therethrough or remain at a closed state blocking water from flowing therethrough. The input data that can affect the number of operating valves, for example, is either the sea conditions, algae or nutrient concentration, number of functioning valves at the opposite side of the conduit, etc.

[0031] In some embodiments, the system further comprises an imaging unit mounted on a levitating unit for imaging surrounding water that surrounds the system to identify predetermined signatures and generate imaged data based thereon. The input data comprises said imaged data. Namely, the imaged data comprises data that indicates whether the system requires to perform downwelling or upwelling. For example, the imaging system can identify blooming of algae or nutrient concentration and respond accordingly.

[0032] In some embodiments of the system, the levitating unit comprises a balloon.

[0033] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a winch for allowing lifting the levitating unit and folding it in bad weather conditions.

[0034] In some embodiments, the system further comprises an engine-generator disposed in the internal volume configured for (i) generating electricity in response to flow of water through the conduit and storing its energy, and (ii) operating a propeller coupled thereto.

[0035] In some embodiments of the system, the propeller is configured to controllably propel water either towards the bottom portion or towards the top portion.

[0036] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the propeller based on the input data.

[0037] In some embodiments of the system, the conduit comprises at least one venturi section, wherein the venturi section comprises one or more apertures for allowing inflow of water from outside the conduit into the internal volume to dilute the water that flows in the internal volume and thereby heat them or cool them so they will exit the conduit with a temperature that is closer to the temperature of the surrounding water.

[0038] In some embodiments of the system, the one or more apertures are controllably switch between a closed state, in which they block water flow from outside the conduit into the internal volume, and a range of open states, in which they allow water flow from outside the conduit into the internal volume. Each open state in the range allows different flow rate from outside the conduit into the internal volume. The specific open state can be determined based on the waves height condition of based on a reading of a flowmeter that is disposed at the top portion or the bottom portion of the conduit. The processing circuitry is configured to control the state of the one or more apertures based on the input data.

[0039] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more temperature sensors that are configured to sense the temperature of the discharged water from either the top portion of the conduit or the bottom portion of the conduit and also to measure the temperature of the water surrounding the bottom portion of the conduit and the top portion of the conduit. The temperature sensors are configured to generate temperature data indicative of the measured temperatures. The processing circuitry is configured to receiving said temperature data and to control the state of the one or more apertures to bring the discharged water to a desired range of temperatures with respect to the surrounding water, whether it in downwelling operation or upwelling operation.

[0040] In some embodiments of the system, the conduit comprises at least one jetting port formed on a side wall of the conduit either at the top portion or the bottom portion for controllably allowing jetting waterjet from the internal volume outside the conduit, either passively in a result of the downwelling or upwelling operation or actively by jetting means that are operated based on supplied electricity. The jetting of the water results in a movement of the conduit, and therefore, the entire system. It is to be noted that the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the jetting port. If there is no need in a movement of the system, the jetting ports may remain closed and if there is a need in movement, the jetting ports are opened by the processing circuitry.

[0041] In some embodiments of the system, said at least one jetting port comprises a steering mechanism for allowing steering the waterjet to a controlled direction thereby resulting in a movement of the conduit to a desired direction.

[0042] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to receive location data indicative of the location of the system and to control the steering mechanism based on the location data to ensure that the conduit remains in a relevant location. In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to receive at least one of: (1) climate condition data indicative of the climate condition in the location of the system, including sea conditions, (2) sea vessel data indicative of a projection of a sea vessel approaching the system, (3) algae concentration data indicative of the algae concentration in the surrounding of the system, or (4) location of different like systems. The processing circuitry is configured to control the steering mechanism further based on either the climate condition data or the sea vessel data. It is to be understood that the processing circuitry controls the steering mechanism in order to navigate the system to a desired location based on one or more of the input data received thereby.

[0043] In some embodiments of the system, the jetting port is disposed on side wall of the conduit either at the third bottom portion or the third top portion of the conduit.

[0044] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to control the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve to operate in a jet mode thereby at least partially closing the respective valve when water flows to its direction to allow maximal flow ofwater through the respective jetting port. Namely, when the system performs upwelling, the processing circuitry may reduce the at least one top valve or even close it such that the upwardly flowing water flows through a top jetting port that is formed on a wall of the conduit. The same may occur when the system performs downwelling and maximal flow of water flows through a bottom jetting port that is formed on a wall of the conduit.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more propelling units, e.g. propellers, mounted on the external side of the walls of the conduit for allowing controllably moving the system to a desired direction. The propelling units are electrically operated by electricity produced by solar panels of the system or by a battery of the system. The operation of the propelling units is controlled by the processing circuitry based on the input data.

[0046] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to open the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously. This can occur in stormy conditions to allow the conduit to minimally resist the waves so as to reduce risks for it being damaged, or for any other reason regardless the sea condition.

[0047] In some embodiments of the system, the processing circuitry is configured to receive either (i) weather condition data indicative of the weather conditions forecast in the location of the system or (ii) stress data indicative of the stress forces between the buoy and the conduit. Upon identification of stormy conditions, i.e. stress reading above a certain threshold or forecast of stormy weather, based on either the weather condition data or the stress data, the processing circuitry is configured to open the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously and reduce the buoyance of the buoy, therefore, making the buoy neutral to the waves.

[0048] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a dynamometer configured to sense the stress between the buoy and the conduit and generate stress data based thereon. The processing circuitry is configured to receive said stress data and upon identification of stress above a certain threshold, the processing circuitry is configured to perform at least one of: open the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously and reduce the buoyance of the buoy.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a solar panel for allowing storing of energy in an energy storage, such as a battery. The buoy typically comprises the energy storage.

[0050] In some embodiments, the system further comprises reinforcing elements each extending between a first end and a second end. Each reinforcing element comprises a first end coupled to the top portion of the conduit and a second end coupled to the bottom portion of the conduit.

[0051] In some embodiments of the system, the first end of each reinforcing element is coupled to the top end and each second end of each reinforcing element is coupled to the bottom end.

[0052] In some embodiments of the system, the reinforcing elements are flexible rods or ropes. The reinforcing elements are more durable than the material that the walls of the conduit are made of, thereby allowing to form the walls of the conduit from a very soft material (which also may be cheaper for manufacturing).

[0053] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a constellation of systems, comprising: a plurality of systems according to any one of the above-described embodiments or any combination thereof; a primary processing circuitry configured to generate a specific input data for each of the plurality of the systems indicative of the required mode of operation of the specific system selected between a downwelling operation and upwelling operation. There can be a case when there is a need the all the systems perform downwelling, all the system performs upwelling, or some of the systems perform upwelling while some others perform downwelling. The primary processing circuitry synchronizes the operation of all the systems; and a primary communication module for transmitting said specific input data to each of the plurality of systems. The constellation may include some systems that are located upstream to other systems, and they can be coordinated so the first line of systems can perform a first mode of operation and the second, downstream line of systems perform a second mode of operation different than the first.

[0054] In some embodiments of the constellation, the primary processing circuitry is configured to receive systems location data indicative of the location of each system of the constellation. The processing circuitry is configured to cluster the systems into two groups based on the location data, each group employs a different mode of operation, namely upwelling operation or downwelling operation.

[0055] In some embodiments of the constellation, the processing circuitry is configured to receive sea condition data indicative of the sea conditions, such as forecast of waves, swells, wind etc., and the nutrients density in the surrounding of each system. The processing circuitry is further configured to cluster the systems into two groups further based on said sea condition data.

[0056] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for relocating water, namely, for allowing upwelling and downwelling. The method comprises: (i) receiving input data indicative of a desired direction flow of water; (ii) controlling a at least one top valve and a at least one bottom valve located on a top portion and a bottom portion, respectively, of a conduit that is fully submerged. The at least one top valve disposed at the top portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one top valve allows flow through the internal volume of the top portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one top valve is configured to be switched between a non-constant open state, in which it allows water flow through the internal volume of the top portion and a closed state, in which the at least one top valve blocks water flow through the internal volume of the top portion, wherein when the at least one top valve is in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water. Namely, the at least one top valve has two main states - in the first, constant open state the valve is constantly open, allowing flow of water therethrough. When the at least one top valve is in the second, operation mode, it continuously switches its state between a non-constant open state and a closed state in response to the movement of the conduit in the water. The at least one bottom valve disposed at the bottom portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one bottom valve allows water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one bottom valve is configured to be switched between a non-constant open state, in which it allows water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion and a closed state, in which the at least one bottom valve blocks water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion, wherein when the at least one bottom valve is in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water. Namely, the at least one bottom valve has two main states - in the first, constant open state the valve is constantly open, allowing flow of water therethrough. When the at least one bottom valve is in the second, operation mode, it continuously switches its state between a non-constant open state and a closed state in response to the movement of the conduit in the water. By setting one of the valves in a constant open state and the other in an operation state, it allows to perform either downwelling or upwelling. Therefore, if the at least one bottom valve is in a constant open state and the at least one top valve is in an operation state, the conduit allows to perform downwelling; and if the at least one bottom valve is in an operation state and the at least one top valve is in a constant open state, the conduit allows to perform upwelling. In other words, the top and the at least one bottom valves in their operation state are serving as unidirectional valves allowing ingress of water into the internal volume from the surrounding and blocking egress of water from the internal volume to the surrounding. Wherein said controlling comprises controlling states of the at least one bottom valve and the at least one top valve to result in the desired direction flow of water, namely either upwelling or downwelling, based on the input data. It is to be noted that the valves can be either passive valves, in which the change of their states in the operation mode occurs passively without any controlled mechanism, e.g. electronic element, or can occur actively by an execution command of the processing circuitry that receives an input from a sensor of the movement direction of the conduit and sets accordingly the state of the valves. The switch between the operation mode and the constant open state is performed by the processing circuitry. In some embodiments of the method, the conduit is coupled to a buoy floating on water surface. The method further comprises controlling a buoyance level of the buoy. This allows to control the level of the water surface with respect to the buoy such that a portion of the buoy is submerged and a portion of it maintains above the water. For example, in stormy weather, the buoyance is reduced as long as there are wavy conditions. In any condition, the buoyance remains positive so as to prevent from the system to sink.

[0057] In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting or receiving communication, wherein said communication comprises data indicative of at least one of: sea vessel approach, concentration of algae, and current and wind direction and velocity / intensity forecast. The communication is transmitted to or received from a satellite or a like system.

[0058] In some embodiments of the method, said communication is satellite communication.

[0059] In some embodiments of the method, communication may include data indicative of the concentration of the algae in the surrounding of the system, the current condition of the sea in the location of the conduit, or any other relevant data.

[0060] In some embodiments of the method, said communication is radio-frequency communication or hydroacoustic communication.

[0061] In some embodiments of the method, the at least one top valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one top valve is in an operation state, the at least one top valve allows only downward flow of water towards the bottom portion and blocks upward flow of water. Namely, when in the operation mode, the at least one top valve is passive, and it only opens for water flow upon a pressure difference between the bottom portion and the top portion that results in a water flow towards the bottom portion.

[0062] In some embodiments of the method, the at least one bottom valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one bottom valve is in an operation state, the at least one bottom valve allows only upward flow of water towards the top portion and blocks downward flow of water. Namely, when in the operation mode, the at least one bottom valve is passive, and it only opens for water flow upon a pressure difference between the bottom portion and the top portion that results in a water flow towards the top portion.

[0063] In some embodiments, the method further comprises imaging surrounding water that surrounds the conduit to identify predetermined signatures and generating imaged data based thereon. Said input data comprises said imaged data, namely, the imaged data comprises data that indicates whether the system requires to perform downwelling or upwelling. For example, the imaging system can identify blooming of algae or nutrient concentration and respond accordingly.

[0064] In some embodiments, the method further comprises generating electricity in response to flow of water through the conduit and storing the energy in an energy storage and operating a propeller with the energy stored in the energy storage; wherein the propeller is configured to controllably propel water either towards the bottom portion or towards the top portion.

[0065] In some embodiments, the method further comprises controllably allowing inflow of water from outside the conduit into the internal volume through one or more apertures formed on side walls of the conduit to dilute the water that flows in the internal volume and thereby heat them or cool them so they will exit the conduit with a temperature that is closer to the temperature of the surrounding water.

[0066] In some embodiments, the method further comprises sensing the temperature of the discharged water from either the top portion of the conduit or the bottom portion of the conduit and also to measure the temperature of the water surrounding the bottom portion of the conduit and the top portion of the conduit, and generating temperature data based thereon indicative of the measured temperatures. The method further comprises controlling the state of the one or more apertures to bring the discharged water to a desired range of temperatures with respect to the surrounding water, whether it in downwelling operation or upwelling operation.

[0067] In some embodiments, the method further comprises controllably allowing jetting waterjet from the internal volume outside the conduit through one or more jetting ports formed on side walls of the conduit, either passively in a result of the downwelling or upwelling operation or actively by jetting means that are operated based on supplied electricity, thereby resulting in a movement of the conduit, and therefore, the entire system. It is to be noted that the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the jetting port. If there is no need in a movement of the system, the jetting ports may remain closed and if there is a need in movement, the jetting ports are opened by the processing circuitry.

[0068] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving location data indicative of the location of the conduit and steering the waterjet to a controlled direction based on the location data, thereby resulting in a movement of the conduit to a desired direction to ensure that the conduit remains in a relevant location.

[0069] In some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of: (1) climate condition data indicative of the climate condition in the location of the system, including sea conditions, or (2) sea vessel data indicative of a projection of a sea vessel approaching the system. Said steering is performed further based on either the climate condition data or the sea vessel data.

[0070] In some embodiments, the method further comprises controlling the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve to operate in a jet mode thereby at least partially closing the respective valve when water flows to its direction to allow maximal flow of water through the respective jetting port. Namely, when the system performs upwelling, the processing circuitry may reduce the at least one top valve or even close it such that the upwardly flowing water flows through a top jetting port that is formed on a wall of the conduit. The same may occur when the system performs downwelling and maximal flow of water flows through a bottom jetting port that is formed on a wall of the conduit.

[0071] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving either (i) weather condition data indicative of the weather conditions forecast in the location of the system or (ii) stress data indicative of the stress forces between the buoy and the conduit; wherein upon identification of stormy conditions based on the weather condition data or the stress data, the method further comprises either opening the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously, reducing a buoyance of a buoy coupled to the conduit, or both. This can occur in stormy conditions to allow the conduit to minimally resist the waves so as to reduce risks for it being damaged.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method further comprises controlling one or more propelling units mounted on external side of walls of said conduit for controllably moving said conduit to a desired direction.

[0073] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0075] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0076] Fig. 2 is a schematic exemplifying the arrangement of a constellation of systems of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figs. 3A-3B are schematic illustrations of transverse cross sectional views of the top portion and the bottom portion of the conduit, respectively, which include a plurality of valves.

[0078] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0079] The following figures are provided to exemplify embodiments and realization of the invention of the present disclosure.

[0080] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a non-limiting example of an embodiment of the system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The system 100 comprises a buoy 102 that provides buoyance to the system 100. The buoy 102 floats on the water surface WS and is capable of changing its buoyance level according to the sea conditions. The system 100 further comprises a conduit 104 that is typically a flexible conduit made of Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (Dyneema) or High density polyethylene or fiberglass. The conduit 104 extends between a top end 105 and a bottom end 107 and have circumferential walls 109 that confines an internal volume 112 between the top end 105 and the bottom end 107. The coupling of the conduit 104 to the buoy 102 may be through ropes 106 that are coupled to a top portion of the conduit 104 and to bottom portion of the buoy 102.

[0081] The conduit comprises a at least one top valve 108 and a at least one bottom valve 110 that are controllably switched between a constant open state, in which water flows constantly through the valves no matter the pressure difference through the valve, and an operation state, in which the valves switch between a non-constant open state that allows water flow through the valve into the internal volume 112 of the conduit and a closed state, in which the flow of water through the valve is blocked. When in the non-constant open state, the at least one top valve allows water to flow into the internal volume 112 of the conduit. When in an operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to pressure difference through the valves. The at least one top valve 108 is located at the top portion of the conduit, typically at about the top end 105 of the conduit, and the at least one bottom valve 110 is located at the bottom portion of the conduit, typically at about the bottom end 107 of the conduit. A processing circuitry (not shown) is configured to control the switching between the constant open state and the operation state. The processing circuitry is typically located in the buoy and has data communication with the conduit and its components, typically by wires coupling.

[0082] Figs. 3A-3B are schematic illustrations of a top view of a cross section of the top portion of the conduit and the bottom portion of the conduit, respectively. Figs. 3A-3B show an example, in which a plurality of top valves 308 and a plurality of bottom valves 310 are disposed at the top portion of the conduit and the bottom portion of the conduit, respectively. The inclusion of a plurality of valves in each of the portions provides redundancy, a capability of controlling only part of the valves to control the amount of water entering or exiting the conduit and also ease the manufacturing of the conduit. Including a big valve may be challenging and dividing the load between a plurality of small valves may ease the manufacturing process.

[0083] In order to perform a downwelling operation, the at least one bottom valve remains in a constant open state and the at least one top valve is in an operation state. In order to perform an upwelling operation, the at least one top valve remains in a constant open state and the at least one bottom valve is in an operation state. The valves are typically unidirectional valves such that when they are in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is done passively, namely without any active action of an electrical-driven component. The switch between the states is performed in response to the pressure difference profde through the valve such that when the pressure difference profde defines that water flows out from the internal volume of the conduit, the valve is closed, and when the pressure difference profile defines that water flows into the internal volume of the conduit, the valve is open.

[0084] The conduit 104 further comprises one or more venturi sections 114 that include apertures 116 that allows controllable suction of water into the internal volume 112 of the conduit 104. The venturi sections 114 are defined by the shape profile of the walls 109 of the conduit 104. The venturi sections 114 are intended to allow diluting the downwelling or upwelling water with external water along various parts in their way upward or downward in order to bring the water to a temperature that is closer to the temperature in the destination, either at the top portion of the conduit or the bottom portion of the conduit or both the top portion and bottom portion. By doing that, the tendency of the water to go back to their origin is reduced and upwelling water is more likely to remain near the surface and downwelling water is more likely to remain at the depth of the bottom portion of the conduit and further proceed to the depth to be fixed at the bottom of the ocean or sea, typically below 1000 meters. The apertures 116 are controlled so that can be set to be closed or opened to a selected extent according to the desired amount of dilution rate. This can be defined based on the sea conditions, for example, if the sea is calm and the relocation of the water is slow, the natural heat exchange between the water in the internal volume of the conduit and the water in the surrounding of the conduit may be sufficient and the dilution rate is adjusted to be minimal. When there are high waves and the relocation of the water is fast, the dilution rate may be relatively high. It is to be noted that there can be more than one venturi section along the length of the conduit 104.

[0085] The conduit 104 further comprises one or more jetting ports 118, and in this example, there are two jetting ports 118, one formed on a wall portion at the top portion of the conduit 104 and one formed on a wall portion at the bottom portion of the conduit 104. The jetting ports 118 are designed to allow jetting water from the internal volume 112 towards the exterior of the conduit 104. By jetting water through the jetting ports 118, the conduit 104 is capable of moving towards a desired direction. The jetting ports 118 may also include a steering mechanism, e.g. in the form of flaps, that can direct the water jet to a desired direction, thereby control the movement direction of the conduit 104. The jetting ports 118 and the steering mechanism are controlled by the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry may receive location data indicative of the location of the system 100 and control the jetting ports 118 based on that. There can be other parameters that may affect the operation of the jetting ports 118, such as relative location of the system with respect to other similar systems, weather conditions, etc.

[0086] The conduit may accommodate in its internal volume 112 a motor / generator 120 that has propelling arrangement 122. The motor / generator 120 is configured to power the propelling arrangement 122 by demand to expedite the downwelling or upwelling operation, namely to propel water either towards the bottom portion or towards the top portion of the conduit 104. This may be relevant when the sea is calm and the water flow rate through the internal volume 112 is relatively low. When there is a relatively high flow rate along the internal volume 112, flow of the water propels the propelling arrangement 122, resulting in a generation of electricity that can be stored in an energy storage 124, e.g. a battery, that is housed in the buoy 102. It is to be noted that the motor / generator 120 can also include its own energy storage. The processing circuitry is further configured to control the operation of the motor / generator 120 based on a reading of a flowmeter that measures flow rate in the internal volume 112 or based on other indication of the sea conditions.

[0087] The system 100 may further include an imaging unit 126 that is mounted on a levitating unit 128 in the form of a balloon. A winch 130 is mounted on the buoy 102 and configured to controllably lift the levitating unit 128 and fold it according to weather conditions.

[0088] The system 100 may further include one or more reinforcing elements 132 that are extending along the conduit 104 and are coupled to the top portion of the conduit 104 at a first end thereof and to the bottom portion of the conduit 104 at a second end thereof. The reinforcing elements 132 are more durable than the walls of the conduit 104 and therefore most of the strength of the structure of the conduit relies on the reinforcing elements, allowing the walls of the conduit 104 to be made of soft, light and cheap materials.

[0089] The system 100 may further include a propelling unit 140 mounted on external side of walls of the conduit for allowing controllably moving the system to a desired direction. In this example only one propelling unit 140 is exemplified but it is to be understood that more than one propelling units can be included in the system 100.

[0090] It is to be noted that the system can have less elements than is described in Fig. 1. For example, the conduit can be without venturi sections, propelling units, or jetting ports. The minimal features requirement of the system is to have a buoy, at least one bottom valve, at least one top valve and a control unit to control the operation of the valves in order to facilitate controlling the operation of the system between downwelling operation and upwelling operation.

[0091] Reference is now being made to Fig. 2, which is a schematic exemplifying the arrangement of a constellation of systems of the present disclosure.

[0092] The constellation 250 includes a plurality of systems 200, such as the system exemplified in Fig. 1. One of the systems may be defined as the primary system 251 that controls the operation of all the constellations and this system comprises a primary processing circuitry for doing that. The primary processing circuitry is configured to determine in which operation mode each one of the systems works. This can be determined based on nutrient concentration profile in the area of the constellation, weather or sea conditions, environmental needs, etc. The primary circuitry is configured to perform satellite communication, i.e. to exchange data with satellite and also to communicate, directly or indirectly, with all other systems to transmit operation data indicative of the required operation mode for each system. For example, a first array of systems 252 can be defined in a first mode of operation, and a second array of systems 254 can be defined in a second mode of operation, different than the first. The first and the second modes of operations are selected from an upwelling mode of operation and a downwelling mode of operation. The first array 252 may be upstream to the second array 254 with respect to the current direction.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system for relocating water, comprising: a buoy for floating on a water surface; a conduit coupled to said buoy and extending between a top portion and a bottom portion, the conduit defines an internal volume for allowing two-directional water flow therethrough between the top portion and the bottom portion, the conduit comprises an at least one top valve disposed at the top portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one top valve allows flow through the internal volume of the top portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one top valve is configured to be switched between a non-constant open state, in which it allows water flow into the internal volume of the top portion and a closed state, in which the at least one top valve blocks water flow through the internal volume of the top portion, wherein when the at least one top valve is in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water such that it is in its non-constant open state in response to upward movement of the conduit and in its closed state in response to downward movement of the conduit, an at least one bottom valve disposed at the bottom portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one bottom valve allows water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one bottom valve is configured to be switched between a non-constant open state, in which it allows water flow into the internal volume of the bottom portion and a closed state, in which the at least one bottom valve blocks water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion, wherein when the at least one bottom valve is in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water such that it is in its non-constant open state in response to downward movement of the conduit and in its closed state in response to upward movement of the conduit; the system further comprises a processing circuitry that is configured to receive input data indicative of a desired direction flow of water and to control the states of the at least one bottom valve and the at least one top valve to result in the desired direction flow of water based on the input data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the buoy is coupled to the top portion.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein a buoyance level of the buoy is controllable.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, comprising a communication unit configured for (i) transmitting communication to a satellite or a like system, or (ii) receiving communication from a satellite or a like system, wherein said communication comprises data indicative of at least one of: sea vessel approach, concentration of algae in the surrounding of the system, current and wind direction forecast, intensity and velocity of the wind, and the position of the system.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the buoy accommodates a battery for supplying power to the system.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one top valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one top valve is in an operation state, the at least one top valve allows only downward flow of water towards the bottom portion and blocks upward flow of water.

7. The system of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one bottom valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one bottom valve is in an operation state, the at least one bottom valve allows only upward flow of water towards the top portion and blocks downward flow of water.

8. The system of any one of claims 1-7, comprising an imaging unit mounted on a levitating unit for imaging surrounding water that surrounds the system to identify predetermined signatures and generate imaged data based thereon; wherein said input data comprises said imaged data.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the levitating unit comprises a balloon.

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, comprising a winch for allowing lifting the levitating unit and folding it.

11. The system of any one of claims 1-10, comprising an engine-generator disposed in the internal volume configured for (i) generating electricity in response to flow of water through the conduit and storing its energy, and (ii) operating a propeller coupled thereto.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the propeller is configured to controllably propel water either towards the bottom portion or towards the top portion.

13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the propeller based on the input data.

14. The system of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the conduit comprises at least one venturi section, wherein the venturi section comprises one or more apertures for allowing inflow of water from outside the conduit into the internal volume.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the one or more apertures are controllably switch between a closed state, in which they block water flow from outside the conduit into the internal volume, and a range of open states, in which they allow water flow from outside the conduit into the internal volume, each open state allows different flow rate from outside the conduit into the internal volume; wherein the processing circuitry is configured to control the state of the one or more apertures based on the input data.

16. The system of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the conduit comprises at least one jetting port formed on a side wall of the conduit either at the top portion or the bottom portion for controllably allowing jetting water jet from the internal volume outside the conduit, resulting in a movement of the conduit.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said at least one jetting port comprises a steering mechanism for allowing steering the waterjet to a controlled direction thereby resulting in a movement of the conduit to a desired direction.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive location data indicative of the location of the system and to control the steering mechanism based on the location data.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive at least one of: ( 1) climate condition data indicative of the climate condition in the location of the system, (2) sea vessel data indicative of a projection of a sea vessel approaching the system, (3) algae concentration in the surrounding of the system, or (4) position of the like systems; the processing circuitry is configured to control the steering mechanism further based on either the climate condition data or the sea vessel data.

20. The system of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the jetting port is disposed either at the third bottom portion or the third top portion of the conduit.

21. The system of any one of claims 16-20, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to control the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve to operate in a jet mode thereby at least partially closing the respective valve when water flows to its direction to allow maximal flow of water through the respective jetting port.

22. The system of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to open the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive either (i) weather condition data indicative of the weather conditions forecast in the location of the system or (ii) stress data indicative of the stress forces between the buoy and the conduit; wherein upon identification of stormy conditions based on either the weather condition data or the stress data, the processing circuitry is configured to open the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously and reduce the buoyance of the buoy.

24. The system of any one of claims 1-23, comprising a dynamometer configured to sense the stress between the buoy and the conduit and generate stress data based thereon, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive said stress data and upon identification of stress above a certain threshold, the processing circuitry is configured to perform at least one of: open the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously and reduce the buoyance of the buoy.

25. The system of any one of claims 1-24, comprising a solar panel for allowing storing of energy in an energy storage.

26. The system of any one of claims 1-25, comprising one or more weights coupled to the bottom portion to result in the desired orientation of the conduit in the water.

27. The system of any one of claims 1-26, comprising one or more propelling units mounted on external side of walls of the conduit for allowing controllably moving the system to a desired direction.

28. A constellation comprising: a plurality of systems according to any one of claims 1-27; a primary processing circuitry configured to generate a specific input data for each of the plurality of the systems indicative of the required mode of operation of the specific system selected between a downwelling operation and upwelling operation; a primary communication module for transmitting said specific input data to each of the plurality of systems.

29. The constellation of claim 28, wherein the primary processing circuitry is configured to receive systems location data indicative of the location of each system ofthe constellation, the processing circuitry is configured to cluster the systems into two groups based on the location data, each group employs a different mode of operation.

30. The constellation of claim 28 or 29, wherein the processing circuitry is configured to receive sea condition data indicative of the sea conditions and the nutrients density in the surrounding of each system, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to cluster the systems into two groups further based on said sea condition data.

31. A method for relocating water, comprising: receiving input data indicative of a desired direction flow of water; controlling an at least one top valve and an at least one bottom valve located on a top portion and a bottom portion, respectively, of a conduit that is fully submerged and is coupled to a buoy floating on a water surface; wherein the at least one top valve disposed at the top portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one top valve allows flow through the internal volume of the top portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one top valve is configured to be switched between a non-constant open state, in which it allows water flow through the internal volume of the top portion and a closed state, in which the at least one top valve blocks water flow through the internal volume of the top portion, wherein when the at least one top valve is in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water; wherein the at least one bottom valve disposed at the bottom portion and is controllably switched between a constant open state, in which the at least one bottom valve allows water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion, and an operation state, in which the at least one bottom valve is configured to be switched between a non-constant open state, in which it allows water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion and a closed state, in which the at least one bottom valve blocks water flow through the internal volume of the bottom portion, wherein when the at least one bottom valve is in the operation state, the switch between the non-constant open state and the closed state is triggered in response to the upward or downward movement of the conduit in the water; and wherein said controlling comprises controlling states of the at least one bottom valve and the at least one top valve to result in the desired direction flow of water based on the input data.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the conduit is coupled to a buoy floating on water surface, wherein the method further comprises controlling a buoyance level of the buoy.

33. The method of claim 31 or 32, comprising (i) transmitting communication to a satellite or a like system, or (ii) receiving communication from a satellite or a like system, wherein said communication comprises data indicative of at least one of: sea vessel approach, concentration of algae, and current and wind direction and velocity forecast.

34. The method of any one of claims 31-33, wherein the at least one top valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one top valve is in an operation state, the at least one top valve allows only downward flow of water towards the bottom portion and blocks upward flow of water.

35. The method of any one of claims 31-34, wherein the at least one bottom valve is a unidirectional valve, wherein when the at least one bottom valve is in an operation state, the at least one bottom valve allows only upward flow of water towards the top portion and blocks downward flow of water.

36. The method of any one of claims 31-35, comprising imaging surrounding water that surrounds the conduit to identify predetermined signatures and generating imaged data based thereon; wherein said input data comprises said imaged data.

37. The method of any one of claims 31-36, comprising generating electricity in response to flow of water through the conduit and storing the energy in an energy storage, and operating a propeller with the energy stored in the energy storage; wherein the propeller is configured to controllably propel water either towards the bottom portion or towards the top portion.

38. The method of any one of claims 31-37, comprising controllably allowing inflow of water from outside the conduit into the internal volume through one or more apertures formed on side walls of the conduit.

39. The method of any one of claims 31-38, comprising controllably allowing jetting waterjet from the internal volume outside the conduit through one or more jetting ports formed on side walls of the conduit, thereby resulting in a movement of the conduit.

40. The method of claim 39, comprising receiving location data indicative of the location of the conduit and steering the water jet to a controlled direction based on the location data, thereby resulting in a movement of the conduit to a desired direction.

41. The method of claim 40, comprising receiving at least one of: (1) climate condition data indicative of the climate condition in the location of the system, (2) sea vessel data indicative of a projection of a sea vessel approaching the system, (3) algae concentration in the surrounding of the system, or (4) position of the like systems; wherein said steering is performed further based on either the climate condition data or the sea vessel data.

42. The method of any one of claims 39-41, comprising controlling the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve to operate in a jet mode thereby at least partially closing the respective valve when water flows to its direction to allow maximal flow of water through the respective jetting port.

43. The method of any one of claims 31-42, comprising receiving either (i) weather condition data indicative of the weather conditions forecast in the location of the system or (ii) stress data indicative of the stress forces between the buoy and the conduit; wherein upon identification of stormy conditions based on the weather condition data or the stress data, the method further comprises either opening the at least one top valve and the at least one bottom valve simultaneously, reducing a buoyance of a buoy coupled to the conduit, or both.

44. The method of any one of claims 31-43, comprising controlling one or more propelling units mounted on external side of walls of said conduit for controllably moving said conduit to a desired direction.

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