Steam Lift Pump for Micro-Hydro Electricity Generation

The steam lift pump, SLP is an alternative method for generating electricity using hot and cold water.The concept is based on an Ocean Thermal energy conversion, OTEC method patented in 1975.Hot water vacuumed through a cavitating venture and turned to foam.The vacuum is formed by spraying cold water on the foam and collapsing the steam bubbles.Foam in the up leg of an inverted U shaped tower condenses to liquid head in the down leg.The water head is used to produce electricity with micro-hydro generators.This paper details the engineering for flow, pressure, power, design, cost, feasibility, and applications.The author teaches Engineering Technology in a department that emphasizes alternative, appropriate, and sustainable approaches to energy, building, and manufacturing.This project is a perfect example of how Engineering Technology can provide applied engineering solutions.