PCM-Based Ocean Thermal Energy Harvesting System Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2014.2 Topic No.: N142-116 Topic Title: PCM-Based Ocean Thermal Energy Harvesting System Proposal No.: N142-116-0190 Firm: Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. 1046 New Holland Avenue Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601 Contact: Calin Tarau Phone: (717) 295-6066 Web Site: www.1-ACT.com Abstract: In this SBIR program, Advanced Cooling Technologies, Inc. (ACT) proposes a PCM-based ocean thermal energy harvesting system to provide reliable, renewable, on-board electrical generation for autonomous underwater vehicles and platforms. This affordable and scalable system harvests energy from the natural temperature gradients that exist in the ocean. ACT's novel design efficiently extracts heat from the surrounding water at warmer depths, and rejects waste heat into the surrounding water at cooler depths. The thermal energy extracted from the ocean is stored in volumes of phase change material (PCM) and made available to an on-board power cycle for continuous electrical generation regardless of depth or ocean temperature. The advantage of the proposed technology is the flexibility in the design of the power cycle which enables scalability to systems of up to 2kW of on-board electrical generation. The proposed technology could substantially increase the operational lifetime of underwater gliders and floats used for scientific measurements and surveillance capability. Larger ocean energy harvesting systems could serve as charging stations for underwater vehicles, or provide grid power more affordably than current OTEC systems. The objective of the Phase I program is to develop and test a 0.25W proof-of-concept prototype. Benefits: The immediate application for the proposed ocean thermal energy harvesting system is the production of on-board electrical power for underwater autonomous vehicles such as the SLOCUM glider and the ARGO float. These devices are used to conduct scientific measurements and provide monitoring and surveillance capabilities. Due to the scalability of the technology, there is the potential for the proposed technology to be incorporated into larger underwater power stations. These power stations can serve to support underwater vehicles with larger power requirements, serve as a recharging station for underwater vehicles, or provide affordable grid power. ACT will work closely with its industry partners to identify these and other potential applications for the proposed technology. Return