Method and apparatus for generating power from voltage gradients at sediment-water interfaces
First Claim
1. An apparatus for generating energy at the interface of aquatic sediment and seawater comprising:
- a first anode electrode embedded within the aquatic sediment;
a second cathode electrode positioned within the seawater and above the aquatic sediment;
rig means for maintaining the relative positions of the anode and cathode electrodes; and
electrical leads extending from the anode and cathode electrodes to a load.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for generating power from voltage gradients at sediment-water interfaces or within stratified euxinic water-columns is provided. Natural voltage gradients typically exist at and about sediment-water interfaces or in isolated water bodies. One electrode (anode) is positioned in the sediment or water just below the redox boundary and the other electrode (cathode) is positioned in the water above the redox boundary over the first electrode. The anode is lower in voltage than the cathode. Current will flow when the electrodes are connected through a load, and near-perpetual generating of worthwhile power may be sustained by the net oxidation of organic matter catalyzed by microorganisms.
44 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus for generating energy at the interface of aquatic sediment and seawater comprising:
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a first anode electrode embedded within the aquatic sediment;
a second cathode electrode positioned within the seawater and above the aquatic sediment;
rig means for maintaining the relative positions of the anode and cathode electrodes; and
electrical leads extending from the anode and cathode electrodes to a load. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of generating power from voltage gradients at interfaces between water and aquatic sediment comprising:
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positioning a first electrode in sediment below the interface;
positioning a second electrode in the water over the first electrode; and
connecting electrical leads between the electrodes and a load to create a current between the electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification