Modular Cold Water Pipe for OTEC Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment and retrieval of cold water pipes in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) systems are costly and time-consuming, requiring external assistance and posing risks during severe weather conditions due to their large size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular cold water pumping system comprising a center tube and segments of cold water pipes with removable skins, supported by a bottom-end impeller, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for offshore workboats and remotely operated vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cold water pipes are deployed using offshore workboats and crane barges, then the pipe can be installed at depth, but the deployment cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cold water pipe is divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled from smaller components. Each segment includes frame sections that can be coupled together and have removable skins inserted, allowing for rapid assembly without requiring complex external assistance equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an impeller coupled to the bottom end of the center tube to move water through the cold water pipe, enabling the system to deploy and operate without requiring external workboats or crane barges for assistance during deployment and retrieval operations.
2Reliability
If cold water pipes are retrieved for maintenance or severe weather, then the system can be protected or maintained, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segment design allows individual segments to be quickly disconnected and replaced without retrieving the entire pipe assembly. This enables rapid maintenance of specific components while maintaining system operation, reducing downtime significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable skins and coupled frame sections allow the pipe structure to be dynamically reconfigured - segments can be quickly assembled or disassembled based on operational needs, enabling rapid response to maintenance requirements or severe weather threats.
3Temperature
If large cold water pipes are deployed to 1000 meter depths, then temperature difference increases, but deployment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is constructed from multiple standardized segments that can be assembled in a systematic manner. Each segment has frame sections and removable skins that can be coupled together, simplifying the deployment process compared to handling a single large continuous pipe structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cold water pipe surrounds a center tube, creating a nested structure where the pipe segments are positioned around the central support tube. This nested configuration provides structural stability and simplifies handling during deployment to great depths.
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
Enables rapid and cost-effective deployment and retrieval of cold water pipes, minimizing downtime and operational costs while ensuring system safety during severe weather conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller is coupled to the bottom end of the center tube. The impeller is operable to move water through the cold water pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A cold water pumping system comprises a center tube and a cold water pipe surrounding the center tube. The cold water pipe is supported from a bottom end of the center tube and an impeller is coupled to the bottom end of the center tube. The impeller is operable to move water through the cold water pipe, wherein the cold water pipe is comprised of a plurality of segments. Each segment of the cold water pipe comprises at least two frame sections configured to be coupled together to surround the center tube and a removable skin configured to be inserted throughout the perimeter of the at least two sections.