Energy Innovator Awards 2019

Corporate Vision - Energy Innovator Awards 2019 29 g and electrical generation all take place on that platform, on the surface where humans can work naturally and efficiently, perform repairs and modifications, and do anything else necessary. There are three different ways in which this basic system can be configured, and in all three the resulting power is delivered to shore through conventional submarine cables. In the closed-loop design, a heat-sensitive working fluid is superheated by the hydrothermal flow at the bottom of the sea via a heat exchanger, and that fluid passes through the insulated pipe to the surface where electrical generation takes place. After the heat has been extracted the fluid is recirculated back to the bottom where it is again reheated by the hydrothermal energy. The end product of the closed-loop system is sustainable, high volume electricity. In both the open-loop and modified open- loop designs, rather than heating a working fluid with heat exchangers at the bottom, the hydrothermal vents are capped and their flow is fed directly into the riser pipe for delivery to the platform. In both instances the massive thermal energy contained in that flow is extracted via heat exchangers and electricity is generated after the superheated fluid arrives at the surface. In the modified open-loop configuration, although the hydrothermal vent output is captured and directed to the surface, the fluid itself is never accessed. Thermal energy is removed through heat exchangers on the platform and electrical generation is done there, but the fluid and all its solid materials is returned back to the sea floor untouched. Consider it as if the vent fluid has been forced to take a detour to the surface to have its thermal energy extracted, while the content returning to the ocean bottom is unchanged. Congruent with the closed-loop system, the end product of the modified open-loop system is sustainable, base load electricity. However, the main advantages are the elimination of submarine heat exchangers and the ability to modify the process to an open-loop system with very little cost. In a full open-loop configuration, the hydrothermal fluid is accessed on the platform and sent to heat exchangers for energy extraction, while the solid particles contained within the vent stream are removed and sent to shore facilities to be mined for the precious metals and valuable minerals they contain. The superheated fluid is then allowed to flash to steam and distilled into fresh drinking water. Any remaining materials or liquids from the fluid are returned to the depths from which they came. Where the MHRS becomes even more innovative is in the science behind extra features. Not content to utilize the differential between the surface air or water temperature and the hydrothermal fluid, their solution uses a patented Thermal Enhancement Pipe. Much like a drinking straw standing in the ocean, the open at both ends pipe allows pumping of near freezing waters from below the thermocline to the surface to be done with extremely low energy consumption. The extended temperature differential means even more energy can be extracted from the vent stream. That frigid water can also be used for local refrigeration purposes such as air conditioning and process cooling on the platform, adding to the overall efficiency of the system. While committed to capturing the escaping energy, the MHRS’ solution also boasts very low environmental impact upon deep sea life, while offering a profound contribution to reducing the carbon footprint above the sea. The capture mechanism, for example, will be designed and engineered to enable some outflow to nourish and feed the diverse ecosystem found around vents. Rather than capture bits of small fry here and there, Marshall Hydrothermal are going straight for the big fish. With enough potential electricity to power the entire global electricity consumption, hydrothermal vents may prove to be one of the most important breakthroughs in renewable energy sources of the modern era. This firm’s solution is ingenious, innovative, and incredibly exciting for the future of energy which includes the concept of an international electric grid. Contact Details: Company: Marshall Hydrothermal U.S. LLC Contact: R. Edward Crosby, CEO Email: [email protected] Contact: Mark Ladenheim, CFO Email: [email protected] Website: www.marshallhydrothermal.com