Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090260358 | Thermoelectric Energy Conversion System - A system for generating electrical energy using a naturally occurring temperature difference is disclosed. The system provides electrical energy by thermally coupling a conduit that conveys hot material from a petroleum reserve and cold deep-level water to opposing sides of a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element generates electrical energy based on the temperature difference between these two surfaces. | 10-22-2009 |
20090308582 | Heat Exchanger - A heat exchanger and a method for fabricating the heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger core that is formed from a plurality of stacked aluminum panels that are joined together via friction stir welding. Each panel in the core is formed from at least two aluminum extrusions that are joined to one another via friction stir welding. | 12-17-2009 |
20100000214 | Petroleum-based Thermoelectric Energy Conversion System - A system for generating electrical energy based on a temperature differential between petroleum products extracted from a geothermal reservoir and water from a region of a body of water is disclosed. Some embodiments comprise a submerged pump and a submerged OTEC system, wherein the OTEC system provides locally generated electrical energy to the pump. | 01-07-2010 |
20100180924 | Floating Platform with Detachable Support Modules - A floating support that can be joined with a floating platform while the floating platform is at a deployment location is disclosed. The support provides functionality to the floating platform in order to change, augment, upgrade, or diversify the platform's overall capability. In some embodiments, the present invention eases the serviceability of the platform by enabling a first support that has diminished capability to be readily replaced by a second support having superior capability—without removing the floating platform from its deployment location. In some embodiments, the present invention enables platform operation that is analogous to “plug and play” electronics systems. Further, in some embodiments, hydrodynamic performance of the floating platform can be changed with the addition or removal of one or more floating supports. | 07-22-2010 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120080164 | Heat-Exchange Apparatus with Pontoon-based Fluid Distribution System - A pontoon that includes infrastructure for fluidically coupling a heat exchanger or heat exchanger module into each of the seawater and working-fluid distribution systems of an OTEC power generation system is provided. In some embodiments, a pontoon comprises: (1) a first passage for conveying seawater between a first port and a second port at which a heat exchanger module can be connected; and (2) a conduit and connectors for connecting the heat exchanger module and the working fluid circulation system—even while the heat exchanger module is submerged. In some embodiments, pontoons in accordance with the present invention enable heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules to be added or removed to an OTEC system without disrupting the operation of other heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules in use in the OTEC system. | 04-05-2012 |
20120125561 | Modular Heat-Exchange Apparatus - A heat exchanger module for thermally coupling a first fluid and second fluid is disclosed. The heat exchanger module comprises a plurality of heat exchangers, each of which is fluidically coupled to a common seawater inlet and a common seawater outlet. | 05-24-2012 |
20130153171 | COMPOSITE HEAT EXCHANGER SHELL AND BUOYANCY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A heat exchanger includes a shell made of a composite material, and a heat exchanger housed substantially within the shell. The shell is made of a composite material further comprises planks positioned in the outer periphery of the shell. The planks, in one embodiment, are substantially hollow or include substantially hollow portions. In some embodiments, the planks are formed of pultruded plastic. The shell of the heat exchanger further includes layers of fiberglass. The pultruded plastic planks are sandwiched between at least a first layer of fiberglass and a second layer of fiberglass. The layers of fiberglass are infused with resin. A floating portion of an Ocean Thermal Energy System includes shells made of composite material. The cold seawater intake can also be an elongated tube of composite material. | 06-20-2013 |