Deep Ocean Water Extraction Apparatus with Segmented Vertical Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial facilities for extracting deep ocean water are prone to failure due to wave action and storms, limiting the efficiency and reliability of ocean thermal energy conversion systems that require both warm surface water and deep ocean water.
Innovation Solution
A deep ocean water extraction apparatus featuring a collection pool with multiple smaller diameter tubes and a flotation system, utilizing Styrofoam for buoyancy and reinforced concrete for stability, allows water to flow into the pool under atmospheric pressure, enabling accelerated flow rates and increased water extraction capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercial facilities use traditional extraction methods, then water extraction can be performed, but the facilities are prone to failure from wave action and storms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the extraction system into multiple independent tubes instead of using a single large structure. Each tube operates independently, so if one tube is damaged by wave action or storms, the other tubes continue to function, maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal extraction structures to vertical tubes extending from the ocean surface to the seabed. This vertical orientation allows the tubes to better withstand wave action and storms, as the cylindrical shape and vertical alignment reduce susceptibility to mechanical damage from surface disturbances
2Productivity
If water flows up collection tubes at accelerated rates, then water extraction capacity increases, but the system requires precise pressure balance to maintain water level equilibrium
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the natural pressure differential between the pumped water level and ocean surface to drive water flow through the tubes. The outflow pump creates a pressure imbalance that automatically draws water up through the collection tubes without requiring additional control mechanisms, allowing the system to self-regulate water level equilibrium
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes hydraulic principles where the outflow pump creates a pressure differential that drives water flow through the collection tubes. The pressure balance between the pumped water level and ocean surface naturally regulates the flow rate, enabling accelerated extraction while maintaining equilibrium through fluid pressure dynamics
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus enhances resistance to wave action and storm resistance, allowing for continuous and accelerated extraction of deep ocean water, which can be fed into Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of ocean thermal energy generation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of flotation elements attached to the descending collection tubes at a plurality of points spaced down the depth of the collection tubes
Implementation Method 2
common pressure on the surface of the collection pool and the surrounding ocean water, by virtue of the open top of the collection pool causes water to flow up the collection tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A deep ocean water extraction apparatus has a collection pool having an outer shell with a maximum diameter, a lesser diameter at a mostly closed bottom, and an open top of a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter, outflow tubes with pumps extending horizontally from an opening through a side wall of the shell, an opening through the bottom covered by a rigid disk having a plurality of tube openings through which descending collection tubes of common length are connected, and flotation elements attached to the descending collection tubes at a plurality of points spaced down the depth of the collection tubes. The apparatus is characterized in that water is pumped out of the collection pool, and common pressure on the surfaces of the collection pool and the surrounding ocean water, causes water to flow up the collection tubes into the collection pool.