TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: NAVSEA

OBJECTIVE: Design a conceptual thermal-to-electric conversion system for either the hydrothermal vent or diffuse bed heat source. The designs should take into consideration potential biological and mineral fouling of the system, a desired system lifetime of >1 year (preferably >5 years), system voltages and amperages compatible with sensor system and/or AUV recharging, depth of the heat sources (nominally 1500m but potentially greater), and ease/practicality of system deployment. A system power of 20kW is desired. System scalability to power levels >100kW should be examined.

DESCRIPTION: Undersea thermal vents or near ocean floor geothermal activity creates an opportunity to generate significant levels of at-sea electrical power. This topic involves conceptual design of a underwater power system to convert thermal power into electrical power that could be used to power sensors, recharge AUV's, or other missions. Two broad thermal energy sources are idealized: (1) a vent chimney structure with conduit diameter of 3 inches, a fluid velocity of 0.75 m/s, and a fluid temperature of 325C, and (2) a diffuse flow region measuring greater than 5m x 5m with a fluid velocity of 0.15m/s and a fluid temperature of 25C.

PHASE I: Develop a conceptual thermal-to-electric conversion system for either the hydrothermal vent or diffuse bed heat source as described above.

PHASE II: Build brassboard prototype of phase I concept.

PHASE III: Demonstrate feasibility of phase II prototype in lab environment and at hydrothermal vent site.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Source power for underwater drilling operations. Allows continuous operation regardless of sea states and eliminates the need for a "mother ship" for ROV/UUV operations.

REFERENCES:
1. Oceanic detachment faults focus very large volumes of black smoker fluids. A. M. McCaig, R. A. Cliff, J. Escartin, A. E. Fallick, and C. J. MacLeod (2007) Geology 35, 935-938

2. Holger W. Jannasch and Michael J. Mottl, Science 23 August 1985 229: 717-725 [DOI: 10.1126/science.229.4715.717]

KEYWORDS: Geothermal; Energy Conversion; Hydrothermal; alternative energy;

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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