Deep-Ocean Water Foil Pumping for Current-Powered Upwelling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing upwelling systems rely solely on natural atmospheric conditions, limiting the ability to enhance ocean productivity in areas without these conditions, and there is a need to artificially transport nutrient-rich deep ocean water to the surface to increase phytoplankton growth and biomass.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a surface support with an intake line, pump, and outlet assembly that transfers deep ocean water to shallower depths, utilizing energy conversion members to harness ambient currents for power and disperse nutrients over a wide area, including a water foil for stabilization and horizontal orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If natural upwelling is used to transport deep water to surface, then nutrient availability increases, but it requires specific atmospheric conditions and geographic locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient availabilityVSAvoidapplicability to different locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ambient ocean currents to power the pump through hydrokinetic energy conversion, eliminating the need for external power sources and allowing deployment in any location with sufficient current flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces natural atmospheric wind-driven upwelling with an artificial pump system powered by hydrokinetic energy conversion from ocean currents, enabling controlled nutrient transport independent of atmospheric conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If pumps are used to transfer deep water to surface, then nutrient transport is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient transport rateVSAvoidpump energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is powered by hydrokinetic energy conversion from ambient ocean currents, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating external energy requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system converts the kinetic energy of moving ocean currents, which would otherwise be wasted, into mechanical power to drive the pump, turning a natural phenomenon into a useful energy source

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If deep water is pumped to surface, then phytoplankton growth is promoted, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephytoplankton growth rateVSAvoidsystem component count

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the pump, energy conversion members, and support structure into an integrated assembly that functions as a single deployable unit, reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support, housing the pump and energy conversion members, and enabling deployment and retrieval of the entire assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances ocean productivity by increasing nutrient availability at the surface, promoting phytoplankton growth, reducing CO2, and enhancing marine life, while potentially reducing the frequency of hurricanes and providing a sustainable, low-maintenance energy source.

Implementation Method 1

a pump in fluid communications with the intake line at the distal end, proximal end or in between so that when the pump is actuated, fluid from the an intake is transferred from the ocean depth toward an outlet at the proximal end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Implementation Method 2

utilizing energy conversion members to harness ambient currents for power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrokinetic energy conversion: Tidal Power

Implementation Method 3

an outlet line in fluid communications with the inlet line configured to disburse fluid from the inlet to the shallowed depth. The outlet line can be configured to extend between 30 and 90 degrees related to an axis along the surface support widening the area of disbursement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 4

including a water foil for stabilization and horizontal orientation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrodynamic stabilization: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS20250230789A1Vertical intermingling of deep water

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 BARBER GERALD L

AI summary

An energy generation system includes a water foil configured to be disposed in an ocean current and travel in a figure-8 path. Blades attached to the water foil are configured to be actuated by the ocean current. A generator operatively coupled to the blades is configured to be actuated by the blades and produce electrical energy. The electrical energy is configured to be transmitted to another location, stored locally or remotely, and used by the system such as powering a water pump. The system harnesses deep ocean currents to generate renewable power that can be transmitted onshore or used to power underwater equipment like pumps for transferring nutrient-rich deep water to shallower depths.