127 results about "Ocean thermal energy conversion" patented technology

A process for recovering waste heat which comprises: (a) passing a liquid phase working fluid through a heat exchanger in communication with a process which produces the waste heat; (b) removing a vapor phase working fluid from the heat exchanger; (c) passing the vapor phase working fluid to an expander, wherein the waste heat is converted into mechanical energy; and (d) passing the vapor phase working fluid from the expander to a condenser, wherein the vapor phase working fluid is condensed to the liquid phase working fluid. The preferred working fluid is an organic Rankine cycle system working fluid comprising compounds having the following general structure:where x, y, z, and m are each selected from the group consisting of: fluorine, hydrogen, Rf, and R, wherein R and Rf are each an alkyl, aryl, or alkylaryl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and wherein Rf is partially or fully fluorinated.

A process for producing synthetic hydrocarbons that reacts carbon dioxide, obtained from seawater of air, and hydrogen obtained from water, with a catalyst in a chemical process such as reverse water gas shift combined with Fischer Tropsch synthesis. The hydrogen is produced by nuclear reactor electricity, nuclear waste heat conversion, ocean thermal energy conversion, or any other source that is fossil fuel-free, such as wind or wave energy. The process can be either land based or sea based.

A process for producing synthetic hydrocarbons that reacts carbon dioxide, obtained from seawater of air, and hydrogen obtained from water, with a catalyst in a chemical process such as reverse water gas shift combined with Fischer Tropsch snthesis. The hydrogen is produced by nuclear reactor electricity, nuclear waste heat conversion, ocean thermal energy conversion, or any other source that is fossil fuel-free, such as wind or wave energy. The process can be either land based or sea based.

For OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion), rather than transfer huge quantities of cold water from deep in the ocean to the surface to provide a heat sink for a heat engine or for desalination, this invention provides a method of using small masses of low-boiling-point fluids to absorb heat in a heat exchanger near the ocean surface using the latent heat of evaporation and then depositing the latent heat of condensation in a deep ocean heat exchanger, using the cold seawater as a heat sink. The condensed liquid is pumped back to the ocean surface. The heat engine (turbine) and generator can be at the ocean surface, or it can be in deep ocean. By using a fluid that transfers heat by evaporation and condensation, much larger quantities of heat can be moved per kilogram of fluid than can be transferred by moving the same mass of seawater.

An integrated platform to house an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system that utilizes: (i) a cold water circuit consisting of a way of receiving and distributing the cold water from the cold water pipe (CWP) to vertical conduits housing the condensers into collectors that discharge via large pumps into open discharge channels connected to the discharge water pipe (DWP); (ii) a surface water circuit consisting of a way of collecting and distributing the surface water to vertical conduits housing the evaporators to surface water collectors that discharge via large pumps into the same discharge channels connected to the DWP; (iii) means of adjusting the buoyancy of the integrated platform by adding water as ballast into floatation chambers in the hull surrounding the discharge channels or in a plurality of either vertical or horizontal flotation chambers to provide protection to the CWP and DWP and stability to the integrated platform. By adjusting the buoyancy of the platform such that the collectors are about level with the sea level, pumping requirements are minimized.

A means is provided to produce fresh water from seawater on both the boiler side and the condenser side of an OTEC power plant. Part of the warm ocean surface water is evaporated, and its vapor transfers heat to the working-fluid boiler as the vapor condenses. The condensation of the vapor provides fresh water. On the condenser side, the condensation of the working-fluid vapor from the turbine in the condenser releases heat that evaporates seawater that runs down the outside of the condenser surfaces. The vapor from the seawater is condensed by a heat exchanger that uses input from colder seawater. As the cold seawater accepts heat from the condensing vapor, it becomes slightly warmer and provides the source of seawater that accepts heat from the condenser. The condensing vapor on the heat exchanger becomes fresh water that is drawn out as potable water. To provide additional fresh water, a multi-stage desalination unit uses the warm water discharge and the cold-water discharge from the OTEC plant to provide a temperature gradient that causes evaporation and condensation in each stage of the unit.

An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostatic position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostatic position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

A submarine cold water pipe water intake system of an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant is installed at a cold water inlet of a power boat, and the cold water pipe includes: a water intake head; a water intake pipe formed by connecting composite pipes in a series, and each composite pipe is formed by arranging a plurality of wavy inner pipes sequentially into a tubular shape; a connecting pipe formed by engaging an outer pipe and an inner pipe, and an inner pipe of the connecting pipe being connected to the cold water inlet of the power boat, and an end of the outer pipe of the connecting pipe is connected to a connecting portion of the water intake pipe.

An offshore power generation structure comprising a submerged portion having a first deck portion comprising an integral multi-stage evaporator system, a second deck portion comprising an integral multi-stage condensing system, a third deck portion housing power generation equipment, cold water pipe; and a cold water pipe connection. The heat exchangers in the evaporator and condenser systems include a multi-stage cascading heat exchange system. Warm water conduits in the first deck portion and cold water conduits in the second deck portion are integral to the structure of the submerged portion of the offshore platform.

A volumetric displacement device, especially good for preserving and dispensing carbonated beverages has been constructed that is extremely light, small, safe, attractive, easy to use, energy efficient and inexpensive. It can use battery power, has an ovaloid shape, can be constructed of thin flexible plastics, and operates in various positions that eliminate the need for a pickup tube. A consistent problem with soda savers, in that they destroy carbonated beverages by delivering them in a violent manner, has been solved by utilizing a low pressure delivery mode. The described volumetric displacement device can operate in a conventional refrigerator.

An Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system is disclosed. The OTEC system generates electrical energy based on a difference in the temperatures of the water from a surface region of a body of water and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water from a deep water region of the body of water. The thermal mass attains a desired temperature while it is positioned in the deep water region, with which it is thermally coupled. The present invention uses a bulk transport vessel to carry the thermal mass from the deep water region to a depth where it can be thermally coupled with the OTEC system.

An offshore floating platform having at least one buoyant column with an upper end extending above a sea surface, a lower end submerged below the sea surface, and at least one keel tank disposed at the lower end. A deck is supported at the upper end the column. An ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system is integrated with the platform in which heat is extracted from warm sea surface waters to vaporize a liquid working fluid and heat is rejected to cold water from lower depths of the sea to condense the vaporized working fluid. At least one turbine and power generator is disposed on the deck, at least one evaporator is disposed on the platform beneath the deck, and at least one condenser is disposed on the seabed or platform or keel tank a distance beneath the evaporator.

A combined OTEC and steam system having an OTEC power generation system including a multistage condensing system in fluid communication with a cold water system and a steam system comprising a steam condenser, wherein the steam condenser is in fluid communication with the cold water system.

An Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system is disclosed. The OTEC system generates electrical energy based on a difference in the temperatures of the water from a surface region of a body of water and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water from a deep water region of the body of water. The thermal mass attains a desired temperature while it is positioned in the deep water region, with which it is thermally coupled. The present invention uses a bulk transport vessel to carry the thermal mass from the deep water region to a depth where it can be thermally coupled with the OTEC system.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems and methods utilizing the systems are disclosed for producing a useable form of energy utilizing warm surface seawater and cold seawater from depths up to 2 miles below the surface and utilizing a multi-component working fluid. The systems and methods are designed to maximize energy conversion per unit of cold seawater, the limited resource, achieving relative net outputs compared to a Rankine cycle using a single component fluid by at least 20% and even as high as about 55%.

An open-ocean fish-growing platform has a submersible cage structure for growing fish, an antenna for receiving positioning signals transmitted from an external source, a position-correction apparatus for calculating a position error signal from a target geostationary position, and an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system for generating electric power for thruster units to maintain the cage structure in the target geostationary position. The OTEC system inducts colder ocean water from a deeper ocean depth for driving its heat exchange cycle, and is also of hybrid type using a fuel-fired unit as a heat source. The cold water effluent from the OTEC system is directed into the cage for flushing wastes generated by the growing fish. The self-positioning, self-powered open-ocean platform enables unmanned, extended marine deployment in deeper ocean waters without the need for tethering or anchoring to the ocean floor.

The invention provides an ocean thermal energy conversion method and an ocean thermal energy conversion device. The method comprises the following steps of: heating a low-boiling-point working medium by using hot seawater on a surface of ocean; evaporating the low-boiling-point working medium; feeding into a turbine to push a turbo generator set to work for power generation; condensing working medium gas which is exhausted from the turbine into liquid by using cold seawater on a deep layer of the ocean; heating by using the hot seawater; feeding into the turbine to make the working medium gasevaporated; pushing the turbo generator set to work for the power generation; cyclically executing the steps; and continuously carrying out power generation. Power is generated by using ocean surfacewind power, a heat pump device is driven by the power, the temperature of the working medium is further raised by using a medium of the heat pump device, and the volume expansion ratio of the workingmedium is improved; and the temperature of the cold seawater is further reduced by using the medium of the heat pump device, the working medium exhausted gas is condensed by using the low-temperatureseawater, and a condensing effect of the working medium exhausted gas is improved. The method and the device improve the efficiency of closed cycle generation of ocean thermal energy conversion, realize the comprehensive utilization of ocean thermal energy and wind energy, have an important practical value, provide environment-friendly energy sources, and are easy to use and promote in large scale.

An ocean thermal energy conversion assembly includes a ship having support tubes connected between a lower part and a top deck of the ship so as to define an open space. A passage is defined through the lower part and an annular connector is connected to a lower end of the passage. A plurality of rods extend from a top of the annular connector and are pivotably connected to the annular connection portion. A transmission pipe is connected to an underside of the annular connector. A hollow damper is connected to an outer periphery of the annular connector and an outer periphery of the hollow damper is engaged with an inner periphery of a bottom opening in a lower end of the passage. A top cover seals a top opening of the passage and has a wave-elimination way which communicates with holes in the top cover.

A system or methodology for converting thermal energy obtained from solar thermal, photovoltaic, geothermal or industrial waste heat into electrical power is disclosed. The energy efficient way of transferring two steams of liquid solutions containing different concentrations of ionic species is disclosed. The combination of thermal gradient in addition to concentration gradient to improve efficiency, reduce or avoid fouling is disclosed. This invention describes a method of efficient ion migration from concentrated stream to dilute stream thereby improving DC power generation process. The utilization of solar thermal energy from solar collector or concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) generator system or solar thermal power generation (CSP) system provides the additional driving force for ions transport from concentrated stream to dilute stream, apart from the concentration grading to generating power. The thermal power is also used to bring back the diluted steam to original concentration in the reverse Electro dialysis system. The utilization of CPV process heat or solar or waste heat for bringing back the dilute stream into the concentrated stream for next operation of ions gradient power generation is also disclosed in this invention.

An Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system comprising a self-contained submersible OTEC plant is disclosed. The OTEC plant comprises a electrical generation system and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water at a first depth of a body of water. The OTEC plant is moved to a second depth of the body of water, wherein water at the second depth is a different temperature that the water at the first depth. The OTEC system generates electrical energy based on a difference in the temperatures of the water at the second depth and the temperature of the thermal mass. The OTEC system is able to generate electrical energy at either of the first depth and the second depth.

An Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system comprising a self-contained submersible OTEC plant is disclosed. The OTEC plant comprises a electrical generation system and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water at a first depth of a body of water. The OTEC plant is moved to a second depth of the body of water, wherein water at the second depth is a different temperature that the water at the first depth. The OTEC system generates electrical energy based on a difference in the temperatures of the water at the second depth and the temperature of the thermal mass. The OTEC system is able to generate electrical energy at either of the first depth and the second depth.

A high efficiency OTEC system for the efficient and low-cost production of energy and potable water through ocean thermal energy conversion. The high efficiency OTEC system utilizes a working fluid such as ammonia with a standard Rankine cycle. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a heat exchanger which includes a fluid transfer assembly, a pump, a first heater, a turbine and a generator. The fluid transfer assembly utilizes a condenser conduit to condense working fluid by transferring the fluid to the cold depths of the ocean before returning to the warm surface through an insulated return conduit. The working fluid is vaporized through use of the first heater before entering a turbine connected to a generator to produce energy. In some embodiments, a second heater may be added to the system for production of potable water. In further embodiments, a third heater may be provided for additional heating capabilities.

A solar cell floats over a body of saline water. A submerged fresh water collection system underlies the cell. A partial vacuum is created in the solar cell for drawing water vapor from the cell to the collection system. Water vapor is condensed in a condenser disposed between the cell and the collection system. Heat generated by the condensation of water vapor is utilized to heat the salt water, which rises upwardly to replace the salt water vaporized in the cell. The fresh water from the fresh water collection system is routed under the cell such that it becomes thermally enriched. The thermally enriched fresh water is provided to a power generator to improve efficiency.

A ocean buoyancy power generating system includes a water inlet pipe with a water inlet, a water drawing pipe, a guiding pipe, multiple water drawing devices, a gas charging unit, an ocean power generating and collecting apparatus or ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power generating and collecting apparatus, a first moving apparatus, and a second moving apparatus. Through cyclically discharging the gas to one of the water drawing devices in the water inlet pipe by the gas charging unit, buoyancy is generated on the water drawing device to continuously drive the seawater in the water drawing pipe to move upwards for electric power generation.

A water intake pipe of an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant is made by connecting a plurality of connecting sections, and each connecting section includes a plurality of steel ropes between two flange disks and covered with a soft tube material, and each connecting section is in a cage form and fixed by the flange disks, and the water intake pipe includes a support, and the closer the connecting section to the sea surface, the higher is the load-carrying capacity of each steel rope, and the steel rope closer to the sea surface has a greater tension.

A system or methodology for converting thermal energy obtained from solar thermal, photovoltaic, geothermal or industrial waste heat into electrical power is disclosed. The energy efficient way of transferring two steams of liquid solutions containing different concentrations of ionic species is disclosed. The combination of thermal gradient in addition to concentration gradient to improve efficiency, reduce or avoid fouling is disclosed. This invention describes a method of efficient ion migration from concentrated stream to dilute stream thereby improving DC power generation process. The utilization of solar thermal energy from solar collector or concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) generator system or solar thermal power generation (CSP) system provides the additional driving force for ions transport from concentrated stream to dilute stream, apart from the concentration grading to generating power. The thermal power is also used to bring back the diluted steam to original concentration in the reverse Electro dialysis system. The utilization of CPV process heat or solar or waste heat for bringing back the dilute stream into the concentrated stream for next operation of ions gradient power generation is also disclosed in this invention.

A gimbal that provides for passive vertical latching and unlatching of a Cold Water Pipe (CWP) in a floating vessel such as an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) facility is sealingly connected to a cold water sump on the floating vessel. The CWP gimbal is capable of reacting all static and dynamic forces of the suspended CWP at angles on the order of + / −20 degrees while remaining sealed at high differential pressures.

An ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system includes a working fluid pump, an evaporator, a turbine, a condenser, and a working fluid. The evaporator is connected to the working fluid pump. The turbine is connected to the evaporator. The condenser is respectively connected to the turbine and the working fluid pump, and located in a sea area below sea surface. The condenser includes a condenser main body and a deep sea water pipe. The condenser main body is respectively connected to the turbine and the working fluid pump. The deep sea water pipe is connected to the condenser main body, and has an inlet end and an outlet end. The deep sea water pipe is connected to the condenser main body via the outlet end. The working fluid flows between the working fluid pump, the evaporator, the turbine, and the condenser under the driven of the working fluid pump.

A modular heat exchanger that can be submerged to great depths and then easily recovered in order to reduce the costs and disadvantages of the prior art. Because the heat exchanger is submergible and recoverable, it can be more easily maintained. This ease of maintenance allows the heat exchangers to be deployed at greater depths. This, in turn, allows for greater differences in temperatures, greater efficiency for the heat engine, and a more effective ocean thermal energy conversion system.

The present invention pertains to systems, methods, and compositions for liquid phase change, including for active cloud point, e.g., critical solution temperature, adjustment and heating or cooling, e.g., refrigeration, cycles. In some embodiments heat is absorbed, released or both due to phase changes in a liquid system. Advantageously, the phase changes may be controlled by controlling the ingredients or amounts of certain components of the liquid system. Advantages may include lower capital expenditures, lower operating expenses, or both for a diverse and wide range of heating and cooling applications. Such applications include, for example, cooling of data centers, cooled transportation of goods, refrigeration, heat pumps, extractions, ocean thermal energy conversion, and de-icing of roads to name just a few.