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Harnessing Vertical Sea Temperature Gradient

Sterling D. Allan writes "Sea Solar Power Inc., run by three generations of James Hilbert Andersons, has developed a solar power technology that does not fluctuate with the weather, but is available constantly. Their solution is to harness the solar energy stored in the sea by tapping the thermal gradient that exists naturally between the surface and deep waters, using a reverse refrigeration cycle. The modeling and testing done by the Anderson family over three generations since 1962 predicts that the cost of energy generation through this method will be within a price range comparable to nuclear, coal, natural gas, and other contemporary grid power plants. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion, or OTEC, was invented in 1881 by a French scientist, Jacques Arsene D'Arsonval. SSP should be ready to build their first full prototype 2-3 years from now."

11 of 426 comments (clear)

  1. Under the Sea by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    The seaweed is always greener In somebody else's lake You dream about going up there But that is a big mistake Just look at the world around you Right here on the ocean floor Such wonderful things surround you What more is you lookin' for?

  2. Re:Solar???? by khellendros1984 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Nucular. It's pronounced nucular. ;-)

    --
    It is pitch black. You are likely to be eaten by a grue.
  3. Re:Unfortunately, it's not a passive energy source by Elwood+P+Dowd · · Score: 4, Funny

    Somebody please think of the bird decapitations.

    --

    There are no trails. There are no trees out here.
  4. Re:Unfortunately, it's not a passive energy source by pete-classic · · Score: 3, Funny

    Wind turbines must slow down the wind. PVs must collect energy that would otherwise impact the environment.

    Thermodynamics won't let you continuously pull energy out of a closed system.

    Also, human beings are part of nature.

    I'm glad we could have this little chat.

    -Peter

  5. Re:Are there environmental effects to be considere by JesseL · · Score: 3, Funny
    I'm not going to be too happy exchanging a few KW of electricity for another ice age.

    Don't worry. Global warming will make it all balance out.
    --
    "Prefiero morir de pie que vivir siempre arrodillado!"
  6. Re:Unfortunately, it's not a passive energy source by bunnyman · · Score: 5, Funny

    Won't somebody please think of the Balrogs!

  7. Re:Solar???? by msaulters · · Score: 2, Funny

    Aha! But solar power derives its energy from the nucleus.

    Think about it.

    --
    These people looked deep into my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined.
  8. Re:Unfortunately, it's not a passive energy source by lilmouse · · Score: 3, Funny
    Won't somebody please think of the Balrogs!
    You bastard.

    --LWM :-D
  9. Re:Unfortunately, it's not a passive energy source by pete-classic · · Score: 2, Funny

    Dude, seriously: too much weed.

    -Peter

  10. Re:Hot Core by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    I dropped a hot core just a few minutes ago. Unfortunately, it required more energy to create it than you could get out of it.

  11. Harnessing American Energy by wralias · · Score: 2, Funny

    We're all forgetting about one massize cache of energy on our planet - American flab. Think of all the energy put into growing and/or producing the food that Americans have eaten to excess. If all (able-bodied) Americans were required to spend an hour or two a day on a power-generating bike, we could use up our "stored energy" [cough] and have a renewable, "green" power supply! Two birds with one stone. Let's face it - our calorie intake couldn't be any higher, even if we DID exercize a lot.