Ocean Pressure Electric Conversion (OPEC) Concept

Ocean Pressure Electric Conversion (OPEC): Concept and term coined by Portland, Oregon inventor, Richard Malcolm Dickson. OPEC is a process for using the hydrostatic pressure in deep lakes and oceans in conjunction with normal sea-level atmospheric air pressure inside a submerged and enclosed linear generator, termed an Air-Water-Gravity electrical generator, or AWG, to produce electricity. In concept, OPEC is similar in many respects to Ocean Thermal Electric Conversion (OTEC) in that it operates off differentials. An OPEC generator can operate at 90% or higher efficiency, while OTEC generators operate at 10-15% efficiency at most. This is due to the fact that the linear generator in the AWG is more efficient than an OTEC vapor turbine; and the fact that there are fewer parts and processes involved in generating electricity with the OPEC concept. Also, whereas OTEC works off thermal differences between cold deep ocean water and warm surface water in tropical latitudes to drive a vapor turbine and condenser on the surface, OPEC operates via the pressure differential between water at considerable depth and normal air pressure inside a submerged and enclosed AWG to drive a linear generator. Additionally, an OPEC AWG can be set up in any deep body of water, not just those in tropical regions of the globe, greatly extending the usability of this concept. An OPEC AWG can also be modified to produce freshwater as a byproduct of the electrical power production process of the AWG in the oceans. This is accomplished by using an osmotic membrane in the AWG's water exit snorkel pipe. OTEC, likewise, has been harnessed to desalinate saltwater, but at lower efficiency and at higher cost. OTEC plants can cost up to $100 million dollars each, while comparable OPEC generating facilities can be built for less than half that amount. The drawing below schematically illustrates the AWG in operation utilizing the OPEC principle.

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If you would like to contact Rick Dickson please email hydroman1213@yahoo.com or call his cell phone 971-227-9085

Interview with Inventor Rick Dickson on his Air Water Generator Concept

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