" We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. "

~ Albert Einstein

   Drilled Hyrothermal Energy
  Innovation Publications    Prior Art  Prior Art    Benefits  Benefits    Potential Applications   Potential Applications
Comfort and Process Cooling

Comfort and Process Cooling
Coastal communities can drill for cold water, bring it onshore and create district cooling plants. By using heat exchangers instead of mechanical cooling, cold fresh water may be circulated to drive down the cost of air conditioning and process cooling by 90%.


HYDROTHERMAL POWER GENERATION

HYDROTHERMAL POWER GENERATION (HPG)
Directional drilling is used to co-locate ocean temperature gradients in wells onshore. With a temperature difference of at least 36°F (20°C) these gradients can be used as a natural energy source. Using a system of heat exchangers and turbine generators, this energy source can generate enough power to supply an entire coastal region. The modular design of the system allows for scalability and rapid integration producing 9 to 44 megawatts per module. One such module may provide electric power for up to 40,000 homes.


WATER DESALINATION

WATER DESALINATION
Only one percent of the earth’s water supply is drinkable fresh water. Deep ocean water is pure, mineral rich and less salty than surface water. After the deep water is used for cooling and HPG, a portion of the power generated can be dedicated to desalinization thereby providing an abundant new supply of healthy drinking water.


Fuel Production

Fuel Production
Fuel is generated from the ocean by exposing the cold water in a closed circuit to humid air, thereby allowing the water to condense as pure H20 in a container. Hydrolysis then takes place by applying direct current electricity from HPG to drive off the hydrogen molecules. The resulting hydrogen gas provides a new source of clean fuel for air, land and sea vehicles. Existing power plants may also be re-tasked to operate on this fuel.


Waste Water Purification

Waste Water Purification
Along with hydrogen production in the hydrolysis process, oxygen gas is produced as a byproduct. Oxygen gas can be collected to provide an abundant source of low cost oxygen to clean waste water for re-use or for benign re-introduction to the environment.


Enriched Mineral Water

Agriculture and Mariculture
The use of cold natural water to increase output of produce and seafood was pioneered by ocean energy expert Dr. John Craven in Hawaii. ColdAGTM has the potential to triple coastal farming output. “Cold deep ocean water is pumped through irrigation pipes embedded in the soil. No salt water touches the earth but the ground is cold (10°C / 50°F). This produces condensate on the pipes just like drip irrigation. But more than that, a temperature gradient exists between root and flower that pumps phosphates and nitrates into the plant with a Carnot efficiency that is at least three times greater than nature can provide. The results are unbelievable in terms of size, sweetness and rate of growth.” The mineral rich seawater may also be used in mariculture farms to increase algae production for biofuels and an abundant food supply of fish and shellfish.


Increased Carbon Absorbtion

Increased Carbon Absorbtion
Upwelling is nature’s way of bringing deep mineral rich ocean water to the surface to renew the marine life cycle. Drilled Hydrothermal Energy would mimic this process by returning the excess water to the proper temperature and depth in the ocean. The increase of minerals to the upper ocean layer will increase the marine life while enhansing atmospheric carbon absorption effects by ocean photosynthesis.


Agriculture and Mariculture

Enriched Mineral Water
The mineral rich seawater may be used to promote health in humans. Commonly used in thalassotherapy, trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodine found in seawater are believed to be absorbed through the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, such as showers of warmed seawater. This treatment has become a popular favorite for many oceanside resort spas.


   Innovator Presentations and Events

November 7-8, 2011 ~ Caimbridge, MA
Innovator Poster Presentation
Marine Renewable Energy Conference

3rd Annual New England Marine Renewable Energy Center Technical Conference
For the 3rd year in a row, engineers, scientists, policy makers, device developers, government agencies will gather to share information about their ocean energy devices and best practices. Read more...


January 21-25, 2011 ~ Chicago, IL
Innovator Conference Paper Session
2012 ASHRAE Winter Conference

2012 ASHRAE Winter Conference
ASHRAE is pleased to be returning to Chicago for the 2012 Winter Conference. Members have the chance to discuss and examine the latest topics in the building industry, such as high performing buildings and integrated design, as well as participate in technical tours.

Innovator Presentation - Data Centers: – “The Prospect of Hydrothermal Net-Zero Energy Data Centers” scheduled for Sunday, January 22, 2012: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Hilton Palmer House Chicago

Innovator Presentation - Heat Exchangers: Benefits and Models “Hydrothermal Energy – Sustainable Benefits for Island and Coastal Communities” scheduled for Wednesday, January 25, 2012: 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM – Hilton Palmer House Chicago Read more...


September 2010 ~ Cairo, Egypt 2010 International Conference...Beyond CFC's
2010 International Conference...Beyond CFC's...Sept 30 - Oct 1 2010...Cairo, Egypt
The theme of the conference is “Road to Climate Friendly Chillers: Moving Beyond CFCs and HCFCs”. Special emphasis will be to identify means to encourage and assist chiller owners, building managers and other end-users in developing countries to undertake activities in the chiller sub-sector (including alternative refrigerants management and chiller replacement strategies) that result in environmental and economic benefits. Read more...


October 2010 ~ Palm Beach, Florida
2010 Sustainable Florida Conference...Oct 12-15...Palm Beach Gardens, FL

2010 Sustainable Florida Conference...Oct 12-15...Palm Beach Gardens, FL
The 2010 Sustainable Florida Conference presented by Florida Power and Light will be held in Palm Beach Gardens on October 12-14, 2010. It is an exciting conference that will feature speakers and exhibitors from public and private sectors highlighting their accomplishments, challenges and opportunities in adopting and implementing sustainable development principles. Read more...