Keywords: fresh water production sea barge multi stage condensation venturi condenser wind
This section describes a wind system which is similar to the previous one in its overall aspect. It presents also a multi-stage configuration and is mounted on a barge.
It is fitted from upstream to downstream, with an energy concentrator, a wind treatment system and an air ejection device at the outlet of the wind system. The energy concentrator increases the air speed according to the ratio of the external and internal sections of the energy concentrator, the inner part comprising the wind treatment system.
The overall system is designed for the production of cold allowing thermodynamic transformation of humid air and the production of fresh water. The production of cold is obtained in two ways. It is obtained, firstly, directly by the wind animated by a great kinetic energy resulting with an abrupt fall in static pressure and temperature through venturis. It is obtained, secondly, indirectly by pumping cold seawater into the thermocline allowing cooling of the wet air passing through condensers.
The system is naturally oriented towards the wind given its anchoring system. Water production is dependent on atmospheric conditions, in particular, wind velocity, temperature and the relative humidity of the air. It should be noted that the wind velocity plays two roles: it determines the flow rate of air passing through the air treatment unit and the intensity of the kinetic energy determining the efficiency of the venturis units. These air conditions determine the places on the oceans best suited for optimal water production: an area close to a tropical area where the wind is of relatively high intensity with a sufficiently relative humidity.
In addition to condensers and venturis, the wind system can include a wind turbine or a multistage set of wind turbines for the production of electricity. This electricity is used mainly for raising the water from the thermocline layer (between 100 and 250 m below sea level) but also other electrical needs: beaconing, communications and lighting of living quarters and storage units. The balance of electricity may be stored in batteries.
The wind system unit comprises downstream the wind treatment units a system allowing the entry of atmospheric air for the driving of air flow exiting the wind treatment units and its entrainment at the outlet of the multi-stage wind system.
Given the hull of the wind system, it may allow the landing of a helicopter. Furthermore, the barge can be used for a long time storage of water but also as living quarters for maintenance operations.