摘要 |
A deposition unit having a cathode surface is submerged in a natural body of moving water containing various materials including metallic materials carried by the flow of movement of the water body. The flow of water encompasses the deposition unit and contacts the cathode surface. An electric current at the cathode surface causes electrodeposition of certain materials contained within the flow of moving water. The electrical energy for electrodeposition is derived from a naturally occurring and proximate energy source at the body of water. Energy from tidal flow, from water movement beneath the surface, from wave motion at the upper surface, or from a temperature difference between the upper and lower levels of the water body, operates an electrical generator which supplies the electrodeposition energy. The flow of water relative to the deposition unit cooperatively interacts with magnetic flux emanating from another embodiment of the deposition unit to establish the electrodeposition energy. Other sources of proximate naturally occurring energy for effecting electrodeposition are wind energy and solar energy.
|