Water Power - very cool technology

[wacki]

Very cool stuff. Temperature gradients in ocean water could power entire coastal cities. It's cost effective in tropical areas now but it might expand in other areas as well. It produces power, hydrogen, desalinated water, seafood, incredible amount of crops in tropical areas (4 seasons per year), airconditioning, etc... If 1/10th of 1% of this power is retrievable we can supply the planet with all the power we need.


http://www.ocees.com/

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/1...amp;topic_set=

http://www.utilities.cornell.edu/LSC/FAQs/default.htm

http://www.thinkgeek.com/cubegoodies/lights/757e/

VERY COOL AND EASY TO FOLLOW VIDEO:
http://www.ocees.com/mainpages/video.html

[somethingstupid]

This is pretty cool.

However, and correct me if I'm wrong here,

[ QUOTE ]
If 1/10th of 1% of this power

[/ QUOTE ]

1/10 of 1% of all the power contained in temperature gradients in all the oceans is impossible to harvest.

[wacki]

[ QUOTE ]
1/10 of 1% of all the power contained in temperature gradients in all the oceans is impossible to harvest.


[/ QUOTE ]

I wouldn't say impossible. It's certainly feasible, if it's cost effective or not is something completely different. Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

[whiskeytown]

editing response -

the wired article was good info - if I had money I'd invest in the company..

10 bucks says some utility company will try to legislate them out of business using obscure patents they claim to own, but what the hell - can't do it to the entire world.

RB

RB

[diddle]

the technology involves semiconductors and the fact that heat gradients create electron flow.

The problem right now is finding a better semiconductor. Whoever does it will be incredibly rich or Nobel worthy (maybe Sklansky should do it).

[Benal]

Cold Water Air Conditioning is already being used here in Toronto. I believe a few of Toronto's downtown skyscrapers are being cooled by water from Lake Ontario. Cool stuff.