Methane Harvesting for Seafloor Power Generation

The US Navy, industry and the scientific community is using and developing a variety of AUVs, underwater sensors, and other systems that can be easily deployed and operated with minimal maintenance or recurring costs. A primary hindrance to the long-term implementation of these systems is the availability of in situ energy. The concepts presented herein focus on the harvesting of methane from seeps, and using that methane to power an in situ electric generator. Briefly, the core technologies herein are proven in various forms and at moderate TRL levels: gas-seawater separation has been proven with membrane technology, undersea power generation has been shown using thermoelectric generators , power-dense and reliable battery technologies have been developed for the automotive industry, and AUV docking and power interfacing has been proven. Through the Phase I effort, our team will explore the most effective ways to marinize, integrate, and prove these technologies in the ocean. Phase I has the following objectives. Objective #1 - Develop a comprehensive system concept design Objective #2 - Develop a gas transfer design Objective #3 - Energy converter design Objective #4 – Develop an AUV docking/charging module design