SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SUPPLEMENTAL AQUEOUS THERMAL ENERGY

摘要

Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and conveying aqueous thermal energy are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a floating film retains solar energy in a volume of water located under the film. A series of curtains hanging from a bottom surface of the film define a passage between a periphery of the film and a center of the film to direct the heated water at the center of the film. The heated water is circulated to deliver the heat to a dissociation reactor and/or donor substance. The donor is conveyed to the reactor and dissociated.

主权项

1. A system for collecting, storing, and conveying thermal energy, comprising:
a transmissive film assembly having a planar lower surface disposed in or on a body of water, an upper surface, and a plurality of cells between the upper and lower surfaces, the film assembly having an inner region and an outer region; an outer curtain coupled to the outer region and an inner curtain coupled to the inner region to define a volume of water under the film between the inner and outer curtains; at least one intermediate curtain carried by the film assembly between the inner and outer curtains to define a channel; and a conduit communicating with the volume of water proximate to the inner curtain.