My Ocean Pressure Electric Conversion (OPEC) invention, in some ways, mirrors the way Ocean Thermal Electric Conversion (OTEC) plants work, but instead of using thermal differentials between deep sea ocean water and warm surface waters in tropical seas, my OPEC invention uses pressure differentials. As a result, it can operate anywhere in the world's oceans, seas, or deep lakes where there is enou
gh depth to operate. Plus, unlike OTEC, it does not require a pump to bring the cold deep sea water to the surface. That is done via physics principles, as the deep sea or deep lake water is driven to the surface in a pipe via the pressure gradient between the water at depth and the much lower surface atmospheric air pressure (i.e. 14.7 lbs per sq. OPEC can work in several ways. It can drive a linear generator at depth, and the pressure of the water at depth, evacuating to the surface via a pipe can also drive an electrical turbine on a floating platform at the surface. OPEC floating platforms, based on modified off-shore oil and gas platforms, can be positioned in deep water to provide maximum water pressure. They can also be augmented with wind and solar panels, too. In many ways, OPEC could be the power source of the future. Here are the clear advantages of OPEC renewable energy: (1) It is available 24/7, as hydrostatic pressure is constant; (2) It is inexhaustible: (3) It is completely non-polluting; (4) It has positive environmental impact, as large structures in the ocean attract fish and provide homes for marine life; (5) Over the long-term, hydroelectric power is the cheapest form of electrical energy production. The construction components are fairly simple and long-lasting; (6) OPEC power plants can be manufactured by the same companies that now produce off-shore oil and natural gas drilling platforms, as much of the technology in the offshore oil & gas industry is transferable to OPEC power production. As a result, R&D and development costs are minimized: and (7) the majority of the world's population lives within 200 kilometers of oceans or deep lakes. Thus, OPEC can provide reliable, 24/7, and inexpensive electrical power for most of the world population.
