Moving plates and jackpots sound like Las Vegas, but this jackpot is an energy jackpot – one that might allow places like Las Vegas to shine well into the future with renewable energy. Scientists at the French technology company CGG are seeking a patent for a system that recovers geothermal energy not near volcanic hotspots (like in Iceland or the Western US) but from buried wet rock located near plate boundaries. The technology is similar to current geothermal systems, but since these moving plate boundaries may be far offshore, there is an issue with transporting the energy.
CGG proposes using ships and floating platforms located near plate boundaries to drill into the seafloor and recover superheated steam. The steam is then used to generate power on the platform using a standard Rankine cycle. Rather than send the power to shore hundreds of miles away with huge electric resistance losses, the energy is used to generate hydrogen from seawater. The hydrogen can then be transported by ship to gas turbines miles away for clean energy production. Low pressure steam can be condensed using seawater to create drinking water that can also be shipped to cities by boat. So, moving plates can keep the plates and jackpots coming at your favorite casino or your own kitchen in the future. – Steve Terry, DTC HVAC & Refrigeration Instructor
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