Ocean Circulation System for Vertical Carbon Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The natural processes in oceans, such as the biological pump, are hindered by stratification, leading to inefficient vertical transport of carbon from the surface to deep ocean layers, resulting in most captured CO2 being metabolized back into the atmosphere rather than being sequestered.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlled up- and downwelling of water between different depths in oceans using modular channels with impeller means and guiding mechanisms, allowing for the transport of water with dissolved inorganic carbon, and optionally seeding with gas-filled bubbles or nanocavities, to enhance carbon capture and sequestration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If natural stratification is maintained in the ocean, then stability of water layers is preserved, but vertical transport of carbon from surface to deep ocean is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (vertical transport system with impellers and channels) that mediates between the stable stratified layers, enabling controlled vertical movement of water and carbon without disrupting the overall stratification structure. This intermediary mechanism allows carbon transport while preserving the stability benefits of stratification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on natural mechanical mixing processes (wind, waves, tides) with a controlled mechanical transport system using impellers and channels. This substitution enables reliable vertical carbon transport independent of variable natural forces, solving the contradiction between maintaining stratification stability and achieving productive vertical transport.
2Reliability
If the biological pump operates without human intervention, then natural carbon cycling occurs, but only a small fraction of POC sediments to the deep ocean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the natural biological pump by allowing it to continue its self-service function of capturing CO2 through photosynthesis, while adding a mechanical assistance component to overcome the stratification barrier. The biological processes remain self-operating, but the physical transport barrier is removed through the vertical transport system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the vertical transport system to pre-position carbon-rich water and particulate organic carbon in deep ocean locations before natural sedimentation can occur. This preliminary mechanical transport accelerates the carbon sequestration process that would otherwise take much longer through natural biological pump operation alone.
3Ease of operation
If natural mixing processes occur, then some vertical transport is achieved, but the process lacks regularity and sufficient scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes unreliable natural mechanical mixing processes with a controlled mechanical transport system. The impeller-driven channels provide regular, predictable vertical transport that can be operated on demand, replacing the irregular and insufficient natural mixing while maintaining ease of operation through automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities to the vertical transport system, allowing adjustment of transport rate, volume, and timing according to operational requirements. This dynamic system can scale its operation to meet productivity goals while maintaining ease of operation through flexible control, unlike fixed natural mixing processes.
4Reliability
If the pycnocline is present, then vertical transport barriers are established, but nutrient transport from deep water to surface algae is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical transport channels as intermediary pathways that penetrate through the pycnocline barrier. These channels mediate between the stratified water layers, allowing controlled exchange of nutrients and carbon without disrupting the overall stratification structure, thus maintaining reliability while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vertical water column into discrete transport channels that can independently move water and nutrients across the pycnocline. This segmentation allows selective transport of nutrients from deep waters to surface algae while maintaining the stratification structure, resolving the contradiction between barrier function and transport efficiency.
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
This approach assists in mitigating atmospheric CO2 buildup by facilitating the biological pump, enabling efficient transport of carbon from the surface to deep ocean layers, thereby reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and providing infrastructure for various chemical and biological processes.
Implementation Method 1
impeller means arranged related to the at least one technical module for contributing to the transport of water
Implementation Method 2
optionally seeding with gas-filled bubbles or nanocavities
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transport of water between different depths in a body of water is disclosed. The system comprises a sequence of modules constituting a channel, impeller means arranged related to at least one module for contributing to the transport of water, and controlling and guiding means arranged related to the at least one module for controlling and guiding flow of water into or out of the channel. A method corresponding to the system is disclosed. Use of the system and the method related to fanning of aquatic organisms in a bioreactor is also disclosed.