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Patent drawing for Underwater power generation using underwater thermocline
US 7,262,360 B1
Electrical US 7,262,360 B1 Expired

Underwater power generation using underwater thermocline

This invention describes a way for an underwater vessel to generate electricity by using temperature differences in the ocean. As the vessel passes through layers of water with different temperatures (a thermocline), a special part of its outer shell, made of a heat-conducting material, transfers heat to internal power generators. These generators, specifically bismuth telluride devices, are backed by a phase change material like paraffin wax, which melts and freezes to help maintain a temperature difference, thereby producing electrical power.

Why it matters: Thermoelectric material efficiency and manufacturing costs have significantly improved since 2003, potentially making this environmental power scavenging more viable for underwater vessels.

Status
ExpiredProtection ended and was never renewed
How hard to build
ModerateThermoelectric generators, phase change material, vessel integration.

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