Iceberg propulsion system
OwnerJoseph A. Connellinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tabular iceberg is used as an energy source for a propulsion system which propels the iceberg across vast distances of the ocean with minimal fuel consumption. The iceberg thus becomes, in effect, a self-propelled vessel in which potential energy associated with the iceberg is converted to kinetic energy to power the propulsion system. Two propulsion mechanisms can be used, preferably in conjunction. The first mechanism uses the gravity flow of melting ice to provide propulsive thrust, while the second mechanism utilizes the temperature differential between the iceberg and the surrounding water to power a heat cycle engine, which, in turn, drives a generator to provide electricity which runs propeller drive motors.
Claims27
A self-propelled iceberg, comprising:
- first means for converting potential energy associated with said iceberg into kinetic energy at least a portion of said potential energy being gravitational energy;
- and
- second means for utilizing said kinetic energy to propel said iceberg.
A method of propelling an iceberg, comprising the steps of:
- converting potential energy associated with said iceberg into kinetic energy by:
- melting a portion of said iceberg to provide a reservoir of liquid water;
- and
- allowing said liquid water to fall a substantial distance to convert gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy;
- and
- utilizing said kinetic energy to propel said iceberg.
A propulsion system for an iceberg, comprising:
- first means for melting a portion of said iceberg;
- second means for storing, during a first period of time, said melted portion as liquid water;
- and
- third means for converting energy stored in said second means into power, utilizing the potential gravitational energy of said liquid water, to propel said iceberg during a second period of time, shorter than said first period of time.
An iceberg propulsion system, comprising:
- means for melting a portion of said iceberg;
- a reservoir on the upper surface of said iceberg for storing said melted portion as liquid water;
- a heat cycle engine powered by the transfer of thermal energy between said liquid water in said reservoir and the ocean water around said iceberg, comprising:
- means for raising the temperature of said liquid water substantially above the temperature of said ocean water;
- an electrical generator driven by said heat cycle engine;
- a plurality of propellors driven by the electrical current produced by said generator;
- a conduit leading from said reservoir downwardly into said ocean water;
- means for selectively allowing liquid water from said reservoir to fall the length of said conduit into said ocean water, the vertical length of said conduit being sufficient to allow said water to develop a substantial head;
- means connected to the bottom of said conduit for discharging said water into said ocean water so as to provide a significant amount of thrust to propel said iceberg;
- and
- means for controlling the direction in which said water is discharged into said ocean water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.