SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING ICE INTERACTION

Abstract

A system for reducing the interaction between ice formed on a body of water and a structure located within the body of water includes at least one of a geothermal fluid transfer device or an ice breaking system. The geothermal fluid transfer device includes a water inlet, a water outlet and a heat exchanging portion fluidically disposed therebetween. An ice breaking system includes an ice breaking device and a power source. A method is also included.

Description

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/042,982 filed on Apr. 7, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject matter of the present disclosure broadly relates to the art of protective systems for static structures and, more particularly, to systems and methods for reducing the interaction between ice formed on a body of water and a static structure located within the body of water.

It has been recognized that, under certain circumstances, it may be desirable to build or otherwise erect one or more rigid structures within a body of water. In some cases, the rigid structure may be supported in a fixed location within the body of water, such as on a foundation or other structure secured to or otherwise supported on the bottom or ground surface beneath the body of water (e.g., the sea floor or lake bed). In other cases, the rigid structure may be a buoyant structure that is tethered to the bottom or ground surface beneath the body of water and, thus, is maintained in a substantially fixed location within the body of water.

Though the construction of such a rigid structure within a body of water may be desirable, as mentioned above, in certain geographical locations, the construction of such rigid structures may often be avoided due to the potential for damage thereto resulting from the formation and/or flow of ice on or along the body of water. That is, many bodies of water are found in geographical areas having at least relatively warm climates and, thus, are not normally susceptible to the formation and/or flow of ice thereon. As a result, the risk of damage to a rigid structure erected within such a body of water due to the formation and/or flow of ice is quite low. However, many other bodies of water are found in geographical areas in which the formation and/or flow of ice therealong is quite common or at least sufficiently frequent to raise concerns about damage to rigid structures that might be built therein.

Typically, the interaction between ice on a body of water and a rigid structure erected thereon will occur in at least one of two different manners. One way that such an interaction may occur is due to the freezing of water near the surface of the body of water. Under such conditions, the ice will normally form closely around the rigid structure and will often continue to increase in thickness until the rigid structure is tightly held by the ice. In such circumstances, the ice is often attached to a shoreline, permanent islands, out crops and/or other natural features. As a result, the ice formation is retained in a relatively fixed position and, as a result, normally undergoes little movement. However, very small movements within the ice formation (e.g., movements of less than one (1) foot) are known to occur. And, due to the fact that the rigid structure is tightly held by the ice formation, even movements as small as ½ inch, for example, can result in damage to the rigid structure (e.g., bending of metal and fracturing of concrete).

Another way in which ice formed on a body of water and a rigid structure erected with the body of water may interact is due to the flow or movement of ice along the body of water. This situation may occur, for example, when the above-described ice formation begins to melt and becomes detached from the shoreline and/or other geographic features. Typically, ice formations (e.g., packs or sheets of ice) are of quite a large overall mass, such as greater than 1,000 tons, for example. Additionally, it has been observed that, depending upon various wind and current conditions, such an ice formation could be driven along or across a body of water at 10 miles per hour or more. Due to this tremendous mass, an ice formation moving across a body of water will impact a rigid structure within the body of water with a force that is normally quite sufficient to damage the rigid structure. As such, it is believe to be desirable to avoid, minimize or otherwise reduce any such impacts.

One example of rigid structures that may be well suited for installation in bodies of water is those associated with the generation of electrical power using wind energy. The benefits of wind-generated electrical power are well known and substantial wind energy resources have been identified as occurring along and/or across bodies of water. However, these available wind energy resources are often underutilized, and one reason for this is believed to be the above-identified issues associated with ice damage.

Thus, systems and/or methods according to the subject matter of the present disclosure have been developed to overcome one or more of the foregoing or other issues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

A system for reducing the interaction between a structure disposed within a body of water and ice formed on the body of water, the system comprising a geothermal fluid transfer device including a water inlet disposed distally to the structure, a water outlet disposed adjacent the structure and a heat exchanging portion disposed therebetween and operative to increase the temperature of water flowing through the geothermal fluid transfer device.

A system for reducing the interaction between a structure disposed within a body of water and ice formed on the body of water, the system comprising an ice impacting device disposed adjacent the structure and operative to repeatedly impact a pre-existing ice formation on the body of water and thereby separate at least a portion of the pre-existing ice formation into two or more individual pieces of ice.

A method of reducing interaction of ice formed on a body of water with a structure located within the body of water, the method comprising a) providing a fluid transfer device within the body of water that includes a water inlet, a water outlet and a heat exchanging portion fluidically disposed therebetween; b) transferring geothermal energy into water within the fluid transfer device and thereby generating a flow of water through the fluid transfer device such that water discharged from the water outlet has a greater temperature than water entering the water inlet; and, c) delivering the water having the greater temperature into an area adjacent the structure to thereby reduce the formation of ice in the area.

A method of reducing interaction of ice formed on a body of water with a structure located within the body of water, the method comprising a) supporting an ice impacting device adjacent the structure; b) identifying a pre-formed body of ice advancing toward the structure; and, c) impacting the pre-formed body of ice to separate at least a portion of the pre-formed body of ice into two or more pieces of ice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one exemplary system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure shown in operative association with a structure erected within a body of water.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the system and structure in FIG. 1 taken from along line 2-2 thereof.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another exemplary system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure shown in operative association with a structure erected within a body of water.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the system and structure in FIG. 3 taken from along line 4-4 thereof.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an alternate embodiment of the system and structure in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one exemplary geothermal fluid transfer device taken from along line 6-6 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of one exemplary fluid transfer manifold of a geothermal fluid transfer device taken from along line 7-7 in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure and which are not intended to be in any way limiting, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a body of water, which is generally represented by reference characters BDW. It is to be understood that body of water BDW is representative of any body of water containing fresh and/or salt water of any type, kind, name or description, such as, for example and without limitation, a river, lake, bay, channel, strait, sound, gulf, sea or ocean. Regardless of the type or configuration of the body of water, the same will generally include a water surface WSF and a bottom or ground surface GSF disposed beneath the body of water. Without limitation, the bottom or ground surface could, for example, be more specifically described as a river bottom, a lake bed or an ocean floor.

As discussed above, bodies of water in certain geographical areas can have ice formed thereon and/or have ice formations (e.g., ice sheets and/or ice packs) that flow along the body of water. In FIGS. 1 and 2, an ice formation ICE is shown disposed along surface WSF of body of water BDW. In the arrangement shown, ice formation ICE may be a sheet of ice that has formed on the surface of the body of water, such as, for example, due to the exposure of the surface of the body of water to cold air temperatures during a winter season. Regardless of how the sheet of ice is physically formed, such an ice formation will often be fixed to the shoreline and/or other natural geologic features associated with the body of water that will act to maintain the ice formation in a relatively fixed location. As one example, the surface of fresh water lakes are known to freeze during the winter months of the year and such an ice formation is often anchored to certain geological features of the body of water.

Erected, built or otherwise disposed within body of water BDW is a structure STR, which can be of any suitable type, kind, configuration and/or construction. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, structure STR is shown as including a piling or foundation FND, which can be of any suitable type, kind, configuration and/or construction, such as including one or more cylindrical concrete pilings, for example. A column or other structural support SPT extends from foundation FND toward water surface WSF. In the exemplary arrangement shown, support column SPT extends above body of water BDW and includes a wind turbine TRB supported on the upper end of the support column. However, even though wind turbine TRB is shown and described herein as being included as a part of structure STR, it should be clearly understood that any other suitable electrical power generation device (e.g., an array of solar panels) or other system or components of any type, kind, construction and/or configuration (e.g., a shelter, a weather monitoring station, a vessel docking structure) could alternately, or additionally, be included as a part of structure STR. Additionally, though only one piling and support column is shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that such an arrangement is merely exemplary and that any suitable number of one or more foundation structures and/or structural support elements (e.g., columns) can optionally be used.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also illustrate a system 100 that is disposed in operative association with structure STR and is adapted to eliminate, minimize or at least reduce the interaction of ice formed on and/or flowing along the body of water with structure STR. System 100 can include any number of one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices, which can be of any suitable size, shape, length, capacity, configuration and/or construction. For example, system 100 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including three geothermal fluid transfer devices that are spaced circumferentially about structure STR in an approximately evenly-spaced orientation. It will be appreciated, however, that any other suitable positioning, orientation or arrangement could alternately be used. For example, on a body of water that has a prevailing current, a greater number (e.g., one or more) of geothermal fluid transfer devices could be disposed about the structure along the upstream side thereof with a lesser number (e.g., zero or more) of geothermal fluid transfer devices disposed along the lateral and/or downstream sides of the structure.

Turning, more specifically, to the configuration and operation of a geothermal fluid transfer device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, one exemplary construction of a geothermal fluid transfer device 102 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as including a fluid inlet 104, a fluid outlet 106 and a heat exchanging portion 108 fluidical y disposed therebetween. In the exemplary arrangement shown, fluid inlet 104 is disposed along a first or distal portion 110 of the geothermal fluid transfer device that includes a downflow section 112 and an optional inverter section 114. The optional inverter section extends from downflow section 112 such that fluid inlet 104 faces generally downward, which may help to reduce the ingress of solid matter, such as dirt, rocks and/or other debris, for example, into geothermal fluid transfer device 102. Downflow section 112 is fluidically interconnected with heat exchanging portion 108 by way of a first transition section 116 that is operative to transfer fluid flow from distal portion 110 into heat exchanging portion 108, which can include any suitable number or one or more lengths of pipe, tubing or conduit. The heat exchanging portion is shown as extending longitudinally from distal portion 110 toward a second or proximal portion 118 that includes fluid outlet 106. Proximal portion 118 also includes an upflow section or chimney 120 that is fluidically interconnected with heat exchanging portion 108 by way of a second transition section 122 that is operative to transfer fluid flow into proximal portion 118 of the geothermal fluid transfer device. Additionally, geothermal fluid transfer device 102 can optionally include a layer of insulation 124 disposed on or along at least a portion of chimney 120. Furthermore, depending upon the size, shape and/or length thereof, upflow section or chimney 120 can be secured in one or more locations therealong to one or more other constructions, such as foundation FND and/or support column SPT of structure STR as is indicated by securement elements TIE (FIG. 2), for example.

As shown in FIG. 2, fluid inlet 104 and fluid outlet 106 are disposed at different vertical heights relative to one another, as is indicated by differential-height dimension D1. That is, fluid inlet 104 can be disposed at a first or lower vertical height within the body of water and fluid outlet 106 can be disposed at a second or greater vertical height within the body of water. It will be appreciated that the two different heights can be measured or otherwise established relative to one another or in reference to any suitable datum, feature or structure, such as a centerline (not shown) of heat exchanging portion 108, ground surface GSF or water surface WSF, for example. Additionally, geothermal fluid transfer device 102 is shown as being at least partially buried or otherwise embedded beneath ground surface GSF of the bed or floor of the body of water, as is indicated by reference dimension D2. It will be appreciated that any suitable range of differential heights and/or distances can be used for dimensions D1 and D2. For example, the differential height between fluid inlet 104 and fluid outlet 106, such as is represented by dimension D1, for example, could be from about 10 feet to about 100 feet. And, at least a portion of heat exchanging portion 108 could be buried or other embedded beneath ground surface GSF by a distance or amount of from about 3 feet to about 10 feet, for example, such as is represented by dimension D2.

It is well understood that the ground can act as a heat source and/or heat sink depending upon the temperature of a mass thermally associated therewith. Thus, certain applications and uses are known to utilize the ground as a heat source and/or heat sink. These include geothermal energy systems for heating and cooling the interior of buildings, such as residential homes, for example. For the ground to operate effectively as a geothermal heat source and/or heat sink, however, it is desirable for the ground to maintain a relatively constant temperature regardless of the weather conditions occurring above ground. Such a zone of relatively constant temperature normally occurs at a predetermined depth below the ground surface. And, it will be appreciated that this predetermined depth will vary from region-to-region depending upon soil conditions, climate and a variety of other factors.

It has been recognized that such relatively constant geothermal conditions are also present in the ground beneath bodies of water, such as body of water BDW, for example. It is expected that the specific geothermal conditions within the ground beneath a given body of water will also vary depending upon a variety of factors, such as soil conditions, for example, as well as the depth or distance below the ground surface (e.g., ground surface GSF) that is disposed underneath the body of water. As one example, it is expected that beginning at a distance of approximately 4 feet beneath the ground surface (e.g., ground surface GSF) of Lake Erie, which extends along the border between the United States and Canada, the ground remains at a temperature of approximately 45° F. or greater even during the months of winter. It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable depth or distance below the ground surface can be used. As one example, a depth of from about 3 feet to about 10 feet (or greater) could be used, such as, for example, in cases in which warm water flow is to be utilized on a seasonal basis for ice control purposes. As another example, depths of hundreds of feet or greater could be used in cases where the objective is a continuing flow of water in all seasons, such as may be useful for power generation, as discussed hereinafter.

In accordance with one aspect of the subject disclosure, it has been determined that a relatively constant geothermal energy source located beneath a body of water can be used to increase the temperature a portion of the water within the body of water and that this warmer water can be utilized to prevent or at least reduce the formation of ice in an area of the body of water adjacent or otherwise near a structure constructed therein, such as structure STR in body of water BDW, for example. In accordance with another aspect of the subject disclosure, this geothermal energy source can be utilized to generate a natural flow of warmer water to be delivered to the area of the body of water adjacent or otherwise near the structure that does not utilize the assistance of external power (e.g., without the assistance of a water pump). In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, system 100 includes a plurality of geothermal fluid transfer devices 102 disposed in an area around structure STR that are adapted to operate in accordance with one or more of the foregoing aspects of the subject disclosure.

With more specific reference to the principles of operation of a geothermal fluid transfer device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, it will first be recognized that one well understood characteristic of water is that the density thereof is normally greatest at a temperature that is a few degrees warmer the temperature at which that same water would freeze. Correspondingly, it is well understood that the weight of a given volume of water will, in most cases, be greater if that volume of water is at a lower relative temperature than if that water is at a higher relative temperature. That is, heated water expands so that a given volume of warm water will be lighter or less dense than an equal volume of cold water, which will be more dense and, thus, heavier. It is also well understood that a lighter or less dense fluid, such as water at a higher relative temperature, will rise or otherwise flow vertically upward relative to a heavier or more dense fluid, such as water at a lower relative temperature.

Turning, now, to the operation of a geothermal fluid transfer device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure, such as geothermal fluid transfer device 102, for example, it will be recognized that, once installed, the geothermal fluid transfer device will be filled with water and that some of this water will reside within the heat exchanging portion (e.g., heat exchanging portion 108) of the geothermal fluid transfer device. For conditions in which the body of water is at a temperature that is less than that of the ground within which the heat exchanging portion is buried or otherwise installed, it will be recognized that the temperature of the water within the heat exchanging portion will increase due to the geothermal energy being transferred into the heat exchanging portion, as indicated by arrow Q_IN in FIG. 2. As the temperature of the water within the heat exchanging portion increases, the water will begin to expand and, thus, become less dense. This lighter water will tend to exit the heat exchanging portion and rise toward water surface WSF by way of upflow section or chimney 120. For purposes of general understanding, though not believed to be analogous art, the subject fluid flow may be considered somewhat similar to that understood to occur with respect to the flow of air and combustion byproducts in conventional fireplace chimneys. However, it is to be understood that the application, environment and use as well as the heat source and type of transferred fluids of these two processes are substantially different.

As warmer water begins to migrate toward and flow upward along chimney 120, an overall fluid flow will develop and water will flow into fluid inlet 104 of geothermal fluid transfer device 102, as is indicated by arrow F_IN, into and through heat exchange portion 108, as is indicated by arrow F_TH, and out of the geothermal fluid transfer device through fluid outlet 106, as is indicated by arrow F_OUT. More specifically, relatively cold water from the body of water flows into fluid inlet 104 of a geothermal fluid transfer device then flows downwardly along downflow section 112 to a distance (e.g., distance D2) below ground surface GSF. The relatively cold water then flows into heat exchange portion 108 of the geothermal fluid transfer device.

As the water flows through the heat exchange portion, as indicated by arrow F_TH, heat energy from the surrounding soil or ground, which has a higher relative temperature at depth D2 than that of the body of water, is transferred through the wall of the heat exchanging portion and into the water flowing therethrough, as is indicated by arrow Q_IN. Though heat transfer into the heat exchanging portion is represented in FIG. 2 by arrow Q_IN, it will be appreciated that heat transfer will occur along the full length of heat exchange portion 108 as well as portions of downflow and upflow sections 112 and 120, respectively.

Additionally, it will be appreciated that the amount of heat that is transferred into the water flowing through the geothermal fluid transfer device and, thus, the resulting temperature of the water discharged thereby will depend upon a variety of factors, such as, for example, the temperature of the inflowing water, the temperature of the ground, the depth of the heat exchanging portion from the ground surface, the length of the heat exchange portion, the configuration (e.g., size and shape) of the heat exchange portion, the material from which the one or more walls of the heat exchanging portion are made, and the flow rate of the water traveling through the heat exchange portion.

Furthermore, the flow rate of water traveling through the geothermal fluid transfer device can depend on any one or more of a variety of factors. For example, increased flow through the geothermal fluid transfer device may be generated by utilizing a chimney of greater the length and/or by insulating the chimney to prevent the cooling of the warmer water by the surrounding relatively cold water. However, it will be recognized that, in some cases, it may not be advantageous to have too great a fluid flow through the geothermal fluid transfer device because this increased flow rate may reduce the amount of heat gathered or otherwise drawn in by the water from the surrounding soil or ground. In other cases, however, it may be desirable to spread the warmed water over a greater area. This action could, for example, be accomplished by utilizing a chimney having a shorter length and/or through the removal or non-use of a layer of insulation along the chimney.

As discussed above, it is well understood that the density of water varies with temperature and that water having a greater density will be located toward the bottom of a body of water with the water having a lesser density being located toward the surface of the body of water. Thus, during months of the year having colder air temperatures, (e.g., during the winter season), the densest water will be found near the bottom of the body of water, which is where the fluid inlet (e.g., fluid inlet 104) is located. And, somewhat less dense (i.e., lighter) water will often be found near the surface of the body of water, which is where the fluid outlet (e.g., fluid outlet 106) is located. These conditions will tend to promote the geothermal heating and natural fluid flow processes, as described above. Thus, it will be recognized that the natural flow through the one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices will be initiated once the temperature of the water within the body of water drops below the temperature of the soil or ground at the depth at which the heat exchanging portion of the device is located.

Regardless of the resulting temperature thereof, the “warmed” water eventually reaches upflow section or chimney 120 and flows upward along the chimney toward fluid outlet 106. The optional insulating layer (e.g., layer 124) can assist in maintaining the temperature of the warmed water as the same flows along the chimney, which is exposed to the colder water of body of water BDW. The warmed water is then discharged from the geothermal fluid transfer device by way of fluid outlet 106 near surface WSF of body of water BDW, as is indicated by arrow F_OUT. As discussed above, this natural flow and warming of water will operate continuously without the need for external motivation or power. Thus, a constant flow of warmed water will be delivered to the surface of the body of water in the area around the structure and this constant flow of warm water can act to prevent or at least reduce the formation of ice in the area around the structure, as is indicated by edge EDG of ice formation ICE in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Optionally, a power generating device, such as a turbine 126, for example, could be fluidically interconnected along or otherwise in fluid communication with upflow section or chimney 120 such that at least a portion of the fluid flow therethrough could be used to drive or otherwise operate the power generating device, such as, for example, to generate electrical power for immediate usage by the system, for storage for later use by the system and/or for delivery as electrical power output to a power distribution system or grid. While the installation and maintenance costs of associated with the use of such a power generating device in situations in which the geothermal devices operate Intermittently, such as may be due to seasonal variations in water temperature, for example, other situations exist in which continuous operation of the geothermal fluid transfer devices can or will occur. For example, in very cold environments (e.g., polar and/or near-polar regions) the temperature of the water may always be lower than that of the soil or ground at which the heat exchanging portion of the geothermal fluid transfer device is located. In such situations, it would be possible for the geothermal fluid transfer device to operate continuously and thereby continuously generate power output as well as continuously generate warm water for preventing or minimizing ice buildup and/or interaction with the structure. As another example, it should, in most cases, be possible to bury or otherwise embed the heat exchanging portion in the ground at a great enough depth that the temperature of the soil or ground thereat will be greater than at least that of a portion of the body of water, such as the cooler and denser water near the bottom, for example. In such case, the subject concept could be used in a wider range of environmental conditions that would potentially permit continuous operation, such as in warm weather (e.g., tropical environments), for example.

Turning, now, to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, another exemplary system 200 is disposed in operative association with a structure STR and is adapted to eliminate, minimize or at least reduce the interaction between structure STR and an ice formation ICE (e.g., a sheet or pack of ice) formed on and/or flowing along a body of water BDW toward structure STR, such as is indicated in FIG. 3 by arrow FLO, for example. In this exemplary arrangement, system 200 can include one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices and/or one or more ice breaking devices or systems. It will be appreciated that any such one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices and any such one or more ice breaking devices or systems can be included in any suitable combination with one another, or in the alternative to one another, without limitation.

In the exemplary arrangement in FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, system 200 is shown as including an ice breaking system 202 that is disposed adjacent structure STR and is operative to repeatedly impact a sheet or pack of ice (e.g., ice formation ICE in FIGS. 1-5) to cut, chop, crack, fracture, break or otherwise separate the ice formation into smaller, individual pieces of ice PCE (FIG. 4). These smaller, individual pieces of ice are expected to be able to move (e.g., stack vertically and/or flow laterally) relative to the structure independently of the sheet or pack of ice, rather than rigidly impacting the structure. As a result, it is believe that such smaller, individual pieces of ice will be less capable of damaging the structure.

System 200 can additionally, or in the alternative, include one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices 204 that are also operatively associated with structure STR, such as by being positioned in an approximately evenly-spaced orientation about the structure, for example. As discussed above with regard to system 100, however, it will be appreciated that the one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices, if included, can be disposed in any other suitable position, orientation or arrangement. One benefit of utilizing one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices in combination with an ice breaking system is that the warmer water delivered by the one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices to the surface of the body of water, as discussed above with regard to system 100, for example, will assist in preventing the smaller, individual pieces of ice from freezing together again, at least in the area adjacent the structure, which is where the warmer water delivered by the geothermal fluid transfer device or devices will generally be located.

It will be appreciated that an ice breaking system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can include an ice contacting device of any suitable type, kind, construction, configuration and/or arrangement. As one example, ice breaking system 202 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as including an ice breaking device 206, which may also be referred to herein as an ice impacting device. However, it will be appreciated that any number of one or more ice breaking devices can be employed. Ice breaking device 206 is shown as including a linear actuator 208 that is reciprocally operable between an extended position and a collapsed or retracted position. Ice breaking device 206 can also include one or more ice contacting heads 210 that are supported on the linear actuator and are reciprocally displaceable together with at least a portion thereof.

It will be appreciated that an ice breaking device in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure can be disposed adjacent the structure in any suitable position and/or orientation and that any suitable arrangement and/or configuration can be used. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, ice breaking device 206 is disposed within the body of water BDW such that the one or more heads (e.g., ice contacting heads 210) supported thereon will impact sheet or pack of ice ICE from below the ice formation. One advantage of such an arrangement is that the air above the ice formation provides essentially no resistance to breaking the ice in the upward direction (i.e., away from the body of water). Whereas, breaking the ice in the downward direction (i.e., into the body of water) from above the ice formation, such as by being supported on an arm or other structural member extending from support SPT, for example, would potentially require the use of additional force to overcome the additional effects of the buoyant force from the body of water, which supports the ice formation. However, some of this advantage may be offset by the weight of the ice as the same is upwardly displaced. This weight would not be carried by the ice breaking device if the ice were broken in a downward direction.

While it will be appreciated that any suitable orientation, arrangement and/or configuration of the one or more ice impacting devices can be used, the particular orientation, arrangement and/or configuration will vary from application-to-application depending upon one or more of a wide variety of factors, such as, for example, the prevailing wind direction and the direction of normal currents within the body of water. Thus, in some cases a plurality of ice breaking systems could be disposed in fixed positions about the structure with the ice impacting device or devices thereof supported on a suitable foundation or other structure on or along the ground surface of the body of water.

As an alternate arrangement, ice breaking system 200 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 as including a base structure 212 supported along ground surface GSF of body of water BDW that extends along or around at least a portion of structure STR. Additionally, one or more rails or tracks 214 can be supported on base structure 212 and likewise can extend circumferentially along or around at least a portion of structure STR. Ice breaking device 206 can then be supported in a suitable manner on tracks 214 such that the position of ice breaking device 206 can be selectively altered with respect to structure STR, such as is shown in FIG. 3 by positions A and B. In this way, the ice breaking system can be selectively positioned to engage an approaching sheet or pack of ice (e.g., ice formation ICE approaching in the direction of arrow FLO).

A ice breaking system (e.g., system 202) and/or any components thereof (e.g., actuator 208) can be powered (e.g., actuated, operated or otherwise energized) in any suitable manner and by using any suitable power source. For example, the power source could output pressurized hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas (e.g., air), electrical power, mechanical power or any combination thereof. Additionally, it will be recognized that the operational and/or performance requirements of a ice breaking system in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure will vary depending upon a wide variety of conditions, such as, for example, prevailing currents and/or wind conditions, typical air temperature ranges, typical water temperature ranges and normal ice thicknesses and/or flow rates. For example, under conditions in which ice flow rates are normally relatively low (e.g., less than 2-3 miles per hour), a hydraulically powered ice breaking device could be well suited for use breaking the ice formation into smaller, individual pieces. As another example, where ice flow rates may be somewhat higher (e.g., 3-10 miles per hour or greater), a pneumatically powered ice breaking device that can operate a higher actuation rate (i.e., ice impacts per minute) might be utilized. As another alternative, an electrically actuated device, such as a ball-screw actuator, for example, could be used. The foregoing exemplary power sources are merely provided as examples and are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, it will be recognized that these and other methods of powering a ice breaking system will have advantages and disadvantages that one of skill in the art will be capable of evaluating to determine and select an appropriate method of powering the ice breaking system. Such advantages and disadvantages can include, without limitation, performance (e.g., impact force and impacts per minute), cost (e.g., installation and construction costs) and maintenance issues (e.g., seal integrity, power connection integrity and actuator lubrication).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, ice breaking system 202 includes a power source 216 that can be disposed in operative communication with one or more of the systems and/or devices (e.g., ice breaking device 206) in any suitable manner. Additionally, power source 216 can include a primary power generation device, such as an internal combustion engine, an electric motor or any combination thereof, for example, together with any other systems and/or components that may optionally be included, such as a pump, compressor and/or valve assembly, for example. Alternately, a geothermal power generation system and/or device (e.g., turbine 126 in FIG. 2) could be used in place of or in addition to power source 216. Additionally, one or more power connectors, conduits and/or other elements (e.g., electrical cables, fluid lines, hose and tubing) can be operatively connected between the ice breaking device and the power source. It will be appreciated that power source 216, in whichever form provided, can be disposed or otherwise positioned in operative association with the other systems, devices and/or components of the ice breaking system (as well as any other systems and/or components) in any suitable manner, such as, for example, by being supported on a platform 218 extending from support column SPT of structure STR.

In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, power source 216 includes an internal combustion engine 220 (e.g., a gasoline, diesel or hybrid engine) that is operatively connected to a pressurized fluid control device 222 (e.g., a hydraulic pump or air compressor and a corresponding valve assembly) for generating and controlling the flow of a pressurized fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid or air). Actuator 208 is shown as being fluidically connected to pressurized fluid control device 222 by way of a suitable pressurized fluid conduit, such as one or more lengths of hose or tubing 224, for example. Additionally, as discussed above, ice breaking device 206 is, optionally, supported on rails or tracks 214 and, thus, is capable of being moved or otherwise repositioned with respect to structure STR. As such, power source 216 can be supported in a manner that would permit the power source to lead or follow the movements of the ice breaking device or devices. For example, power source 216 is shown in FIG. 4 as being supported on rails or tracks 226 extending circumferentially about platform 218. However, it will be appreciated that any other suitable arrangement could alternately be used.

The action of at least partially aligning or otherwise positioning one or more of the ice breaking devices with reference to an approaching sheet or pack of ice (e.g., ice formation ICE approaching in the direction of arrow FLO) can be accomplished in any suitable manner. For example, a suitable sensing system and/or device 228 can be supported on structure STR and sense one or more characteristics of nearby ice formations (e.g., direction and/or rate of movement), weather patterns (e.g., air temperature, wind speed and/or direction) and/or conditions of the body of water (e.g., water temperature, water level, water current properties). Sensing system and/or device 228 can then output suitable data, information and/or signals that can be used to position one or more of ice breaking devices 206 and/or one or more of power sources 216, either manually (i.e., with human intervention) or by way of an automated control system (not shown).

An alternate embodiment of an ice breaking system 300 is shown in FIG. 5 installed within body of water BDW adjacent structure STR, in a manner similar to that of ice breaking system 202, as has been discussed above. Ice breaking system 300 differs from ice breaking system 202 in that a rotary action is employed to cut, chop, crack, fracture, break or otherwise separate ice formation ICE into smaller, individual pieces, rather than employing the linear motion of ice breaking device 206. Ice breaking system 300 includes a foundation 302 that can optionally include rails or tracks 304 supported thereon. An optional base structure 306 can be supported on rails or tracks 304, if provided, such that the base structure can be repositioned or otherwise moved relative to structure STR. Alternately, the foundation and base structure can be unitary or otherwise substantially immovable. In either case, one or more support elements 308 can project or otherwise extend from base structure 306 (or, alternately, directly from foundation 302) for engaging and suitably supporting an ice breaking device 310 for rotational motion about an axis AX extending in a generally aligned direction with respect to water surface WSF of the body of water.

Ice breaking device 310 can be of any suitable type, kind, configuration and/or construction. As one example, ice breaking device 310 is shown in FIG. 5 as including a wheel structure 312 that is supported on supports 308 and adapted to rotate about axis AX. The wheel structure can include an outer peripheral wall 314 (or wall portion) from which one or more ice-engaging elements or blades outwardly project. In the exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of ice-engaging elements or blades 316 extend from outer peripheral wall 314 and are set at an angle AG1 relative to the outer peripheral wall. It will be appreciated that the one or more blades can be disposed at any angle, such as from about 5 degrees to about 85 degrees, for example, as may be suitable for cutting, chopping, cracking, fracturing, breaking or otherwise separating ice formation ICE into smaller, individual pieces. Additionally, it will be appreciated that ice-engaging elements 316 can be of any suitable size, shape, form, configuration and/or construction for performing at least the foregoing action, without limitation, and that any suitable number or arrangement of blades or other ice-engaging elements can be used, without limitation, such as from 1 to 3000 ice-engaging elements, for example.

As discussed above with regard to ice breaking system 202, ice breaking system 300 and/or any components thereof (e.g., ice breaking device 310) can be powered (e.g., rotated or otherwise operated) in any suitable manner and by using any suitable power source, such as pressurized fluid, electrical power, mechanical output or any combination thereof, for example. Alternately, a geothermal power generation system and/or device (e.g., turbine 126 in FIG. 2) could be used in place of or in addition to the power source. As shown in FIG. 5, ice breaking system 300 includes a power source 318 supported on a platform 320 extending from support column SPT of structure STR. Rails or tracks 322 can optionally extend along or around platform 320 such that power source 318, which can be supported thereon, can be repositioned or otherwise moved relative to structure STR in cooperation with ice breaking device 310. While it will be appreciated that any suitable power source can be used (as discussed above), power source 318 is shown as including an electric motor 324 that is operatively connected to a transmission 326 that is adapted to transfer rotational output from the electric motor to wheel structure 312 of ice breaking device 310. It will be appreciated that any suitable arrangement and/or configuration for transmission 326 can be used, such as a plurality of interconnected gear sets or a plurality of drive chains 328 and sprockets (not numbered), for example.

In use, ice breaking device 310 of ice breaking system 300 (and/or ice breaking device 206 of ice breaking system 202) can optionally be approximately aligned with an approaching sheet or pack of ice (e.g., ice formation ICE moving in the direction of arrow FLO) by moving the ice breaking device and/or the power source operatively connected thereto circumferentially about structure STR. While it will be appreciated that the ice breaking device may be operable in any direction, in one exemplary arrangement, it may be desirable to orient a rotating device (e.g., ice breaking device 310) such that the ice-engaging elements are facing approximately into or approximately away from the approaching ice formation. Or, in situations in which one or more stationary ice breaking devices (e.g., devices 206 and/or 310) are deployed, no adjustments to the position and/or orientation would be possible. In either case, however, a determination would be made that an approaching sheet or pack of ice is within range for engagement by the ice breaking device or devices. Such a determination could be made by a suitable sensing system, such as has been discussed above with regard to system 228, for example. The ice breaking device or devices would then be placed into operation to separate the ice formation into smaller, individual pieces of ice, such as by energizing electric motor 324 and thereby rotating wheel structure 314 to repeatedly impact ice formation ICE with blades 316 of the ice breaking device.

Optionally, one or more portions of an ice breaking system such as, such as ice breaking device 206 of system 202 and/or ice breaking device 310 of system 300, for example, could be retractably supported on the foundation and/or base structure so that the ice breaking device could be lowered during periods of non-use, such as to minimize damage thereto, for example. As another alternative arrangement, an anchored buoyant platform could be used to support the ice breaking system and/or any components thereof in deeper bodies of water in which it might be impractical to construct a foundation extending upward from the ground surface of the body of water. Such a buoyant platform could be suitably anchored to the bottom, such as by using chains or cables, for example. Optionally, winches or other suitable devices could be used to raise and lower the buoyant platforms depending upon the conditions of use and/or for maintenance purposes. Unlike known constructions, however, the buoyant platform would be tethered below the surface of the body of water so that the ice breaking system can remain below the surface of the body of water as well. Preferably, such a buoyant platform would have sufficient buoyancy to resist any forces generated due to the separation of ice by the ice impacting device or devices supported thereon.

Turning, now, to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, system 200 can also optionally include one or more geothermal fluid transfer devices 204, which are shown as being similar in general construction and operation to geothermal fluid transfer devices 102 discussed above with regard to FIGS. 1 and 2. Geothermal fluid transfer devices 204 include a fluid inlet 230, a fluid outlet 232 and a heat exchanging portion 234 fluidically disposed therebetween. Fluid inlet 230 is disposed along a first or distal portion 236 of the geothermal fluid transfer device and fluid outlet 232 is disposed along a second or proximal portion 238 thereof. First portion 236 also includes a downflow section 240 and an optional inverter section 242. Second portion 238 includes an upflow section or chimney 244.

As discussed above, the amount of heat that is transferred into the water flowing through a geothermal fluid transfer device and, thus, the resulting temperature of the water discharged thereby will depend upon a variety of factors, such as, for example, the temperature of the inflowing water, the temperature of the ground, the depth of the heat exchanging portion from the ground surface, the length of the heat exchange portion, the configuration (e.g., size and shape) of the heat exchange portion, the material from which the one or more walls of the heat exchanging portion are made, and the flow rate of the water traveling through the heat exchange portion. The construction of geothermal fluid transfer device 102 is shown and described as being constructed from one or more lengths of pipe having a generally round cross-section. It will be appreciated that the use of a pipe having a relatively large diameter, such as about 3 feet, for example, could be capable of transporting a substantial volume of water toward the surface of the body of water. However, the use of numerous smaller pipes, such as from about 3 inches to about 12 inches in diameter, for example, would have a greater amount of surface area in contact with the ground and a greater amount of surface area in contact with the water flowing therethrough. Thus, it is expected that increased heat transfer can be realized by using multiple conduits of a smaller relative size in place of a single conduit of a larger relative size. Additionally, such a plurality of smaller conduits may also have a greater total cross-sectional area than a single larger pipe. Thus, water could flow more slowly through the multiple conduits, which would be expected to further improve the heat transfer into the water, without slowing the overall output rate of the geothermal fluid transfer device. As an alternative, one or more lengths of coiled (or otherwise non-linear) pipe, tubing or other conduit could alternately be used to increase the surface area capable of transferring geothermal energy into the water flowing through the geothermal fluid transfer device or devices.

As such, geothermal fluid transfer devices 204 are shown as including a first or inlet manifold 246 and a second or outlet manifold 248 that are fluidically interconnected between distal portion 236 and proximal portion 242, respectively. Heat exchanging portion 234 includes a plurality of heat exchanging conduits 250 that are fluidically interconnected between the inlet and outlet manifolds. The heat exchanging conduits can be spaced any suitable distance from one another, as is indicated by dimension D3 in FIG. 6. It is expected that the selection of a suitable value for distance D3 will depend upon a variety of factors, such as conduit diameter, desired temperature change, desired flow rate and cost, for example. Thus, it is to be appreciated that any suitable distance or value could be used, such as from about 12 inches to about 36 inches, for example.

Additionally, in some cases it may be desirable to further improve the flow rate of water traveling through the geothermal fluid transfer devices. It is recognized that such an increase in flow rate may reduce the amount of heat transferred into the water. However, by installing or constructing the geothermal fluid transfer devices such that the one or more pipes or other conduits forming the heat exchanging portion (e.g., heat exchanging portions 108 and 234) of the devices on an upward slope, as is illustrated in FIG. 4, an increased flow rate may be achieved. Such an upward slope can be at any suitable grade or angle, as is indicated by dimension AG2. Alternately, the upward slope could be defined by differences in height at the opposing ends of the heat exchanging portion, as is indicated by dimensions D4 and D5. An optional barrier or flow directing device 252 can be included in inlet manifold 246 to assist in directing fluid flow toward and through the outermost pipes or conduits of the heat exchanging portion. As shown in FIG. 7, flow directing device 252, if provided, will preferably have a shape and/or construction that will promote fluid flow and minimize the restrictions to fluid flow through the geothermal fluid transfer device, such as by having a curved top line and a curved or smooth cross-sectional shape.

While the subject matter of the present disclosure has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments and considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the structures and structural interrelationships between the component parts of the embodiments disclosed, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the embodiments illustrated and described without departing from the principles of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative and not as a limitation. As such, it is intended that the subject matter of the present disclosure be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A system for reducing the interaction between a structure disposed within a body of water and ice formed on the body of water, said system comprising:

a geothermal fluid transfer device including a water inlet disposed distally to the structure, a water outlet disposed adjacent the structure and a heat exchanging portion disposed therebetween and operative to increase the temperature of water flowing through said geothermal fluid transfer device.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said heat exchanging portion is disposed beneath the body of water and below the ground surface thereof such that geothermal heat from below the ground surface is transferred into water within said geothermal fluid transfer device thereby causing said water to flow through said geothermal fluid transfer device.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein said heat exchanging portion includes a plurality of conduits disposed in spaced relation to one another and extending in fluid communication between said water inlet and said water outlet such that geothermal heat is transferred into water flowing through said plurality of conduits.

4. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a power generation device fluidically interconnected between said water outlet and said heat exchanging portion such that at least a portion of said water flowing through said geothermal fluid transfer device operates said power generation device for generation of electrical power thereby.

5. A system according to claim 1 further comprising an ice impacting device disposed adjacent the structure and operative to repeatedly impact a pre-existing ice formation on the body of water and thereby separate at least a portion of the pre-existing ice formation into two or more individual pieces of ice.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said geothermal fluid transfer device is a first geothermal fluid transfer device, and said system includes a plurality of geothermal fluid transfer devices.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein said geothermal fluid transfer device includes an elongated length of pipe extending between opposing open ends with said water inlet formed at one of said open ends and said water outlet formed at the other of said open ends.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein said elongated length of pipe is substantially cylindrical.

9. A system according to claim 7, wherein said geothermal fluid transfer device includes an elongated chimney in fluid communication between said heat exchanging portion and said water outlet.

10. A system according to claim 9 further comprising a layer of thermal insulation disposed along at least a portion of said chimney.

11. A system for reducing the interaction between a structure disposed within a body of water and ice formed on the body of water, said system comprising:

an ice impacting device disposed adjacent the structure and operative to repeatedly impact a pre-existing ice formation on the body of water and thereby separate at least a portion of the pre-existing ice formation into two or more individual pieces of ice.

12. A system according to claim 11 further comprising a geothermal fluid transfer device including a water inlet, a water outlet fluidically spaced from said water inlet and disposed adjacent the structure, and a heat exchanging portion disposed between said water inlet and said water outlet.

13. A system according to claim 11 further comprising an impacting device support disposed adjacent the structure and a power source operatively connected to said ice impacting device, said impacting device support adapted to support said ice impacting device adjacent the surface of the body of water such that said ice impacting device is capable of contacting the pre-existing ice formation, and said power source adapted selectively operate said ice impacting device.

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein said impacting device support includes a foundation disposed along a ground surface below the body of water.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein said foundation extends peripherally about at least a portion of the structure, and said impacting device support includes a base structure supporting said ice impacting device, said base structure being supported for peripheral movement along said foundation such that said ice impacting device can be repositioned therealong.

16. A system according to claim 15, wherein said impacting device support includes one or more tracks disposed between said base structure and said foundation for guiding said peripheral movement of said base structure along said foundation.

17. A system according to claim 11, wherein said ice impacting device includes a linear actuating device and an ice impacting head, said actuating device being operatively displaceable between an extended position in which said ice impacting head contacts the pre-existing ice formation and a retracted position in which said ice impacting head is spaced from the pre-existing ice formation.

18. A system according to claim 11, wherein said ice impacting device includes a rotatable body and at least one ice-engaging element projecting from said rotatable body and adapted to contact the pre-existing ice formation upon rotation of said rotatable body to thereby separate at least a portion of the pre-existing ice formation into two or more individual pieces of ice.

19. A method of reducing interaction of ice formed on a body of water with a structure located within the body of water, said method comprising:

a) providing a fluid transfer device within the body of water that includes a water inlet, a water outlet and a heat exchanging portion fluidically disposed therebetween;

b) transferring geothermal energy into water within said fluid transfer device and thereby generating a flow of water through said fluid transfer device such that water discharged from said water outlet has a greater temperature than water entering said water inlet; and,

c) delivering said water having said greater temperature into an area adjacent the structure to thereby reduce the formation of ice in said area.

20. A method according to claim 19 further comprising embedding at least a portion of said heat exchanging portion into the ground located below the body of water such that the temperature of said water flowing through said fluid transfer device will be increase by said geothermal energy from the ground.

21. A method according to claim 19 further comprising introducing a power generation device into fluid communication with said flow of water through said fluid transfer device and thereby generating electrical power using said power generation device.

22. A method according to claim 19 further comprising:

e) providing an ice impacting device adjacent the structure; and,

f) impacting a pre-formed body of ice to separate at least a portion of the pre-formed body of ice into two or more pieces of ice.

23. A method of reducing interaction of ice formed on a body of water with a structure located within the body of water, said method comprising:

a) supporting an ice impacting device adjacent the structure;

b) identifying a pre-formed body of ice advancing toward the structure; and,

c) impacting the pre-formed body of ice to separate at least a portion of the pre-formed body of ice into two or more pieces of ice.

24. A method according to claim 23 further comprising increasing the temperature of a portion of the body of water and delivering said portion of the body of water having said increased temperature to an area adjacent the structure to reduce re-freezing of the two or more pieces of ice at least in said area adjacent the structure.

25. A method according to claim 23, wherein said ice impacting device operates by one of (i) selectively extending and retracting an ice impacting head supported on said ice impacting device and thereby separating at least a portion of the pre-formed body of ice into two or more pieces of ice and (ii) selectively rotating said ice impacting device such that one or more ice-engaging element supported thereon contact the pre-existing body of ice and thereby separate at least a portion of the pre-formed body of ice into two or more pieces of ice.

26. A method according to claim 23, wherein supporting said ice impacting device in a) includes moveably supporting said ice impacting device, and said method further comprises adjusting a peripheral position of said ice impacting device relative to the structure.