Hydrothermal

The Marshall System is a proposal to utilize underwater hydrothermal vents for energy and/or mineral resources. In one proposed version of the system, the vent would be capped off and the hydrothermal fluid directed to the sea surface using buoyant, insulated pipes. A floating platform or ship on the surface would then extract the heat out of the hydrothermal fluid and then use it for power generation.

In the other, closed loop system, a loop of pipe would go from a floating platform or ship on the surface, down to the ocean floor, next to or in the hydrothermal vent, and would return to the ship or platform. A heat exchanger outside of the pipe but within the vent would heat working fluid which would then be directed to the surface and used for power generation. The used working fluid would then be returned to the sea floor and be reheated.

Hydrothermal Vents

Hydrothermal vents typically spew out superheated fluid as high as 407 degrees Celsius at velocities ranging from 1-5 m/s. The vent openings are anywhere from a couple inches to several meters. The 1-5 m/s flow happens at depths of typically 2,300 m below sea level which is a pressure of about 200 atmospheres. The vent's pressure is provided by the weight of seawater forcing itself into fissures within the Earth's crust which gets superheated and forced out of these vents.

Recoverable Energy

Assuming a 3m opening and 3 m/s flow at 350 degrees Celsius, this is a flow of 21,205.73 L/sec which translates into 29,298.77 MW of power. The typical fission nuclear reactor provides 4,000 MW.

Technical challenges

The technical challenges of this proposal are numerous

For the open system: if a vent was successfully capped, would the hydrothermal fluid continue flowing? Would the heat rise so that it can be used at the top of the pipe?

Economic challenges

How much would either system cost? Would either be competitive with traditional methods of power generation?