Abstract: An energy storage and generation apparatus is formed by a vertical tube extending downward into a body of water with an upper opening near the surface of the water that permits a flow of water down the tube. A stream of air bubbles is introduced into the water, which is subject to hydraulic compression as the water falls. A separation chamber located at the lower end of the vertical tube separates the compressed air from the water. An exhaust tube extends upward from the lower portion of the separation chamber with an upper opening located below the surface of the body of water. A number of orifices introduce streams of air bubbles into the exhaust tube to induce a flow of water from the separation chamber through the exhaust tube. An air compressor initially powered by an external energy source supplies ambient air to these orifices during off-peak periods to maintain a flow of water through the apparatus to build a reservoir of compressed air in the separation chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed to generate electricity using ocean thermal and salinity gradients. An elongated chamber extends vertically downward from the surface of the ocean. Warm, high-salinity water from the ocean surface flowing by gravity down the apparatus is used to drive a turbine and electrical generator. Air bubbles are introduced into the flow at the upper opening of the apparatus. This air is subject to hydraulic compression as the water falls. The flow of sea water and air passes through a cooling tube near the bottom of the apparatus where it is cooled to the temperature of ambient sea water at that depth. The flow then enters a chamber where the air and water are allowed to separate. Because of its greater density than the ambient sea water at that depth, the water in the chamber tends to flow out exhaust ports located at the bottom of the chamber.