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Glaciothermal power generation in cold climate regions

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 10:43 authored by Zane Smith, Michael NegnevitskyMichael Negnevitsky, Xiaolin WangXiaolin Wang, Michael, K
The paper presents designs for a practical thermomechanical engine that can generate electrical power from seawater using the extreme chill of frigid polar air as a heat sink. Latent heat from freezing seawater boils a high pressure natural refrigerant and drives a vapor expander to generate power. The temperature difference between seawater and cold wind is small, but a large amount of heat is generated per ton of ice produced – equivalent to heating liquid water by 80 °C. End-to-end thermal efficiencies of 5—10% at interior sites embody equivalent power to the same mass of freshwater sent through a hydro-dam 1,700—3,400m tall. Commercial refrigeration technologies might be readily adapted for electricity production. Practical, clean and affordable glaciothermal power generation represents a significant and timely development in energy technology.

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the Power and Energy Society General Meeting, 2015 IEEE

Pagination

1-5

ISBN

978-1-4673-8040-9

Department/School

School of Engineering

Publisher

IEEE-Inst Electrical Electronics Engineers Inc

Place of publication

IEEE Digital Library

Event title

Power and Energy Society General Meeting, 2015 IEEE

Event Venue

Denver, CO, USA

Date of Event (Start Date)

2015-07-26

Date of Event (End Date)

2015-07-30

Rights statement

Copyright 2015 IEEE

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Energy services and utilities

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