Thermoelectric Energy Conversion System
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsJohn W. Rapp, Robert James Howard, Nicholas J. Nagurny, Natalie Levings, Lance Greer
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Abstract
A system for generating electrical energy using a naturally occurring temperature difference is disclosed. The system provides electrical energy by thermally coupling a conduit that conveys hot material from a petroleum reserve and cold deep-level water to opposing sides of a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element generates electrical energy based on the temperature difference between these two surfaces.
Claims20
An apparatus for generating electrical energy comprising:
- an energy conversion unit, wherein the energy conversion unit comprises;
- a hot zone, wherein the hot zone and a conduit are thermally coupled;
- and
- a cold zone that is thermally coupled to a region of a body of water;
- and
- an energy conversion system that generates electrical energy based on a temperature difference between the hot zone and the cold zone;
- wherein the conduit conveys a petroleum product from a petroleum reserve.
An apparatus for generating electrical energy comprising:
- a conduit, wherein the conduit conveys a fluid from a petroleum reserve;
- an energy conversion unit, wherein the energy conversion unit comprises;
- a hot zone that is thermally coupled to the fluid;
- and
- a cold zone that is thermally coupled to a region of a body of water;
- an energy conversion system that generates electrical energy based on a temperature difference between the hot zone and the cold zone.
A method for generating electrical energy comprising:
- conveying petroleum product from a petroleum reservoir;
- thermally coupling a hot zone of an energy conversion unit to the conduit;
- thermally coupling a cold zone of the energy conversion unit to a region of a body of water;
- and
- generating electrical energy, wherein the energy conversion unit generates the electrical energy based on a temperature differential between the hot zone and the cold zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.