Modular valvular conduit upwelling system
OwnerStanton J. M. Collins, Jr.inventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Apparatus and associated methods relate to upwelling systems having an array of valvular conduit modules that induce upwelling in a fluid body in response to wave motion. In an illustrative example, each valvular conduit module may be formed as a unitary rigid body extending along a longitudinal axis. The array of valvular conduit modules may be supported, for example, in a substantially vertical orientation by a float module when the system is immersed in the fluid body. The array of valvular conduit modules may be, in some examples, releasably coupled together in a lateral array, a longitudinal array, or some combination thereof. Various embodiments may advantageously passively impart upward flow of the fluid in response to wave-induced vertical displacement.
Claims19
An upwelling system comprising:
- a first array of valvular conduit modules, each of the valvular conduit modules:
- being formed as a unitary rigid body extending along a longitudinal axis, and, comprising an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end;
- and,
- a flotation module coupled to the first array such that each of the valvular conduit modules is oriented in a substantially vertical orientation when the first array is immersed in a fluid body,
- wherein, when the first array is immersed in the fluid body, the valvular conduit modules passively impart upward flow of the fluid in response to wave-induced vertical displacement.
An upwelling system comprising:
- a first array of valvular conduit modules, each of the valvular conduit modules:
- being formed as a unitary rigid body extending along a longitudinal axis, and, comprising an inlet at a first end and an outlet at a second end;
- and,
- an orientation module coupled to at least one valvular conduit module of the first array such that the first array is substantially maintained in a predetermined orientation range when immersed in a fluid body,
- wherein, when the first array is immersed in the fluid body, the valvular conduit modules passively impart net flow of the fluid in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis in response to displacement of the first array induced by motion of the fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.