Stephen A Bailey

US Patent:

20120080164, Apr 5, 2012

Filed:

Sep 30, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/250446

Inventors:

Nicholas J. Nagurny - Manassas VA, US
Eugene C. Jansen - Dumfries VA, US
Natalie B. Levings - North Richland Hills TX, US
Stephen L. Bailey - Los Gatos CA, US
Robert J. Howard - Walkersville MD, US

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Corporation - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

F28F 99/00

US Classification:

165 47, 29428

Abstract:

A pontoon that includes infrastructure for fluidically coupling a heat exchanger or heat exchanger module into each of the seawater and working-fluid distribution systems of an OTEC power generation system is provided. In some embodiments, a pontoon comprises: (1) a first passage for conveying seawater between a first port and a second port at which a heat exchanger module can be connected; and (2) a conduit and connectors for connecting the heat exchanger module and the working fluid circulation system—even while the heat exchanger module is submerged. In some embodiments, pontoons in accordance with the present invention enable heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules to be added or removed to an OTEC system without disrupting the operation of other heat exchangers or heat exchanger modules in use in the OTEC system.