Submerged platform structure for open ocean macroalgal farm systems
AssigneeElectric Power Research Institute, Inc.
InventorsDwain F. Spencer, Larry L. Lewis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.
Claims7
A waterborne macroalgal farm structure for the attachment of macroalgal plants comprising a three dimensional truss formed from:
- a. flexible, hollow tubes;
- b. nodes abutting each end of said tubes;
- c. rods contained within said tubes and attached to said nodes in an adjustable length method to tension said rods and compress said tubes, wherein macroalgal plants are attached to said tubes;
- whereby connection of said tubes, rods and nodes forms a three dimensional waterborne platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.