Abstract: A modular heat exchanger that can be submerged to great depths and then easily recovered in order to reduce the costs and disadvantages of the prior art. Because the heat exchanger is submergible and recoverable, it can be more easily maintained. This ease of maintenance allows the heat exchangers to be deployed at greater depths. This, in turn, allows for greater differences in temperatures, greater efficiency for the heat engine, and a more effective ocean thermal energy conversion system.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for thermally coupling a first fluid and second fluid is disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises plates comprising cores of thermally conductive graphite foam. A plurality of conduits for conveying the first fluid is formed in each core. Each plate further comprises thermally conductive barriers that sandwich the core, wherein the barriers are substantially impervious to r the first fluid and second fluid. Plates are stacked in a frame such that the frame and plates collectively define a plurality of channels for conveying the second fluid. Heat is exchanged between the primary fluid and the secondary fluid through the graphite-foam cores and barriers. Heat exchangers in accordance with the present invention can be lighter, have improved ratio of heat transfer surface density to heat exchanger volume, be lower cost, and/or be smaller for a given heat transfer capability than prior-art heat exchangers.

Abstract: A power generation system that comprises a first power generator; a first turbine operable to drive the first power generator; a vaporizer operable to vaporize a working fluid, wherein the vaporized working fluid turns the first turbine; and a condenser operable to condense the vaporized working fluid exiting the first turbine, wherein the condenser is coupled to the vaporizer such that the condensed working fluid is vaporized in the vaporizer. The power generation system also comprises a second power generator; a second turbine operable to burn a fuel to drive the second power generator; a switch to selectively operate the second turbine independently of the first turbine; and a heat exchanger coupled to the second turbine to receive flue gas from the second turbine when operated, wherein heat is transferred in the heat exchanger from the flue gas to the vaporized working fluid after the vaporized working fluid exits the vaporizer and prior to the vaporized working fluid entering the first turbine.

Abstract: An Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system is disclosed. The OTEC system generates electrical energy based on a difference in the temperatures of the water from a surface region of a body of water and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water from a deep water region of the body of water. The thermal mass attains a desired temperature while it is positioned in the deep water region, with which it is thermally coupled. The present invention uses a bulk transport vessel to carry the thermal mass from the deep water region to a depth where it can be thermally coupled with the OTEC system.

Abstract: An Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) system comprising a self-contained submersible OTEC plant is disclosed. The OTEC plant comprises a electrical generation system and a thermal mass whose temperature is based on the temperature of water at a first depth of a body of water. The OTEC plant is moved to a second depth of the body of water, wherein water at the second depth is a different temperature that the water at the first depth. The OTEC system generates electrical energy based on a difference in the temperatures of the water at the second depth and the temperature of the thermal mass. The OTEC system is able to generate electrical energy at either of the first depth and the second depth.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to electronics modules, enclosure assemblies housing at least one such electronics module, and systems (e.g., missiles or unmanned vehicles) that may employ such enclosure assemblies. In one embodiment, an electronics module includes a first plate extending generally in a first plane, and a second plate spaced from the first plate and extending generally in a second plane. The electronics module further includes a plurality of electronic board assemblies each of which extends generally in a respective plane and is in thermal communication with at least one of the first and second plates. Each electronic board assembly may be positioned between the first and second plates and oriented so that the respective plane thereof is non-parallel relative to the first and second planes.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to enclosure assemblies housing at least one electronic board assembly and systems (e.g., missiles or unmanned vehicles) that may employ such enclosure assemblies. In an embodiment, an enclosure assembly includes an enclosure having an interior surface defining an interior space and an inner diameter. At least one electronic board assembly is positioned within the interior space and includes a first peripheral edge region and an opposing second peripheral edge region. The electronic board assembly extends diametrically so that the first and second peripheral edge regions are at least proximate to the interior surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of electronic board assemblies are positioned within the interior space and each extends generally along a respective non-diametric chord defined by the interior surface.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical energy based on a temperature differential between petroleum products extracted from a geothermal reservoir and water from a region of a body of water is disclosed. Some embodiments comprise a submerged pump and a submerged OTEC system, wherein the OTEC system provides locally generated electrical energy to the pump.

Abstract: A heat exchanger and a method for fabricating the heat exchanger are disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a heat exchanger core that is formed from a plurality of stacked aluminum panels that are joined together via friction stir welding. Each panel in the core is formed from at least two aluminum extrusions that are joined to one another via friction stir welding.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical energy using a naturally occurring temperature difference is disclosed. The system provides electrical energy by thermally coupling a conduit that conveys hot material from a petroleum reserve and cold deep-level water to opposing sides of a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element generates electrical energy based on the temperature difference between these two surfaces.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical energy using a naturally occurring temperature difference is disclosed. The system provides electrical energy by thermally conduit a geothermal heat source and cold deep-level water to opposing sides of a thermoelectric element. The thermoelectric element generates electrical energy based on the temperature difference between these two surfaces.

Abstract: A platform for electronic components has a temperature sensing array, a vibration sensing array, a programmable logic device, and one or more cooling fans. The programmable logic device receives temperature data from the temperature sensing array and structure-borne noise data from the vibration sensing array. The programmable logic device analyzes the data, and based on this analysis, maintains the temperature and low level noise requirements of the system by activating, deactivating, speeding up, or slowing down one or more cooling fans.

Abstract: A system and method decreases the transmission of structure-borne noise by cooling fans to electronic components and structurally integrated enclosures for the electronic components. The system has a machined isolation plate that fits onto a rear plate on the structurally integrated enclosure. The cooling fans are fitted onto the opposite side of the isolation plate. Fitted between the isolation plate and the rear plate, and/or the isolation plate and the cooling fans are soft elastomeric isolators. These isolators dampen and prevent the transmission of structure-borne noise from the cooling fans to the electronic components and the structurally integrated enclosure. This dampening is advantageous on platforms in which stealth is desired, such as on submarines.