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Title: Flexible retractable cold water pipe for an ocean thermal energy conversion system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5456233

A cold water pipe for an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system comprises a tubular membrane made of a fabric such as a canvas, which is substantially impervious to flowing water. A proximal end of the pipe is secured to a surface structure such as a ship, and a distal end of the pipe is extendible from the surface structure to a selected ocean depth. The pipe functions as a conduit through which cold water from the selected ocean depth can be drawn to the surface structure for use in a thermodynamic process of the OTEC system. The distal end of the pipe can be quickly retracted to the surface structure when it becomes desirable to move the surface structure.

Assignee:
Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 4497342
OSTI ID:
5456233
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 20 Jun 1983; Other Information: PAT-APPL-505832
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English