Wave-Powered Deep Water Pumping for Surface Nutrient Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The global increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere contributes to global warming, while depleted fish stocks pose a threat to marine ecosystems, necessitating a cost-effective and efficient solution to bring nutrient-rich ocean waters to the surface to foster phytoplankton growth and establish sustainable fisheries.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a floating buoy with a high volumetric flow pump powered by solar, wave, or wind energy, utilizing a heat exchanger hose to bring nutrient-rich water from depths to the surface, maintaining it at ambient temperature to support phytoplankton growth and marine ecosystems, while incorporating a modified Wells turbine and compressed air energy storage for efficient energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nutrient-rich water is pumped from depth to surface, then phytoplankton growth and fishery productivity are improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses natural wave action to drive the pump mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources. The buoyant float and lever arm assembly automatically convert wave energy into pumping motion, making the system self-powered and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a lever arm mechanism that uses buoyancy forces from the float to create mechanical advantage, amplifying the pumping action. The hydraulic connection between the float, lever arm, and pump creates an automated system that responds to natural wave cycles
2Quantity of substance
If deeper water is pumped to surface, then carbon dioxide sequestration is improved, but pumping energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamically responsive to wave conditions, adjusting its operation to match natural wave cycles. The pump operates during wave-driven upstroke phases and rests during downstroke phases, optimizing energy utilization without external power input
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on wave amplitude and frequency, with the lever arm mechanism automatically adjusting the pumping volume and rate to match available natural energy input
3Productivity
If pumped water is released at surface, then phytoplankton growth is improved, but water density differences cause immediate sinking
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-warms the pumped deep water as it rises through the hose by utilizing heat exchange with warmer surface water and ambient solar heating during the ascent, so that water is released at temperature equilibrium with the surface environment
Solution Approach 2:
The hose acts as an intermediary medium that facilitates gradual thermal equilibration of the deep water during its ascent to the surface, allowing heat transfer from the surrounding environment to the pumped water
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 system effectively captures and sequesters carbon dioxide, supports sustainable fisheries, and promotes cloud formation, offering a carbon-negative alternative to traditional animal proteins and fossil fuels, while maintaining ocean thermoclines and enhancing oceanic wildlife populations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger hose comprising a plurality of protrusions; wherein the heat exchanger hose and the pump are configured to pump water from a first depth of the body of water to a second depth of the body of water
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of protrusions is present and configured for accelerating heat transfer from surrounding waters to the colder pumped water within the heat exchanger hose
Implementation Method 3
A system comprising a floating buoy with a high volumetric flow pump powered by solar, wave, or wind energy
Implementation Method 4
A system comprising a floating buoy with a high volumetric flow pump powered by solar, wave, or wind energy
Implementation Method 5
A system comprising a floating buoy with a high volumetric flow pump powered by solar, wave, or wind energy
Implementation Method 6
while incorporating a modified Wells turbine and compressed air energy storage for efficient energy transfer
Implementation Method 7
while incorporating a modified Wells turbine and compressed air energy storage for efficient energy transfer
Implementation Method 8
The invention acts to bring and keep the nutrient-rich waters found deeper in the global oceans to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for energy capture, energy storage, and stored energy translation to mechanical work, having: a piston drive pump cylinder tube for housing a first volume of liquid, and a piston drive pump; wherein the piston drive pump is configured for motion; an energy storage tank for storage of a first volume of air and a second volume of liquid wherein the first volume of air is compressed air; a recovery tank for housing a second volume of air and a third volume of liquid; a liquid driven turbine connected to the energy storage tank and in communication with the second volume of liquid of the energy storage tank; a plurality of unidirectional liquid tubes and air tubes for connecting the piston drive cylinder tube, the energy storage tank, and the recovery tank; an impeller associated with the turbine; and a subsystem for energy generation.