Development of an electric power generation sytem from deep sea hydrothermal vent

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For investigating hydrothermal ventic areas, long-term and wide-area observations using AUVs (AUV: Autonomous Underwater Vehicle) and underwater stations are essential. To supply ennergy stably to AUVs/stations, a new power production method by utlizing the thermal energy discharged from hydrothermal vent is proposed. THe field experiments using a prototype were carried out at artificial hydrothermal vent in the Okinawa Trough. Maximum 60 watts and average 45 watts were generated from the system and a 24V17Ah battery was partly recharged in one and harl hour. The performanec of a prototype using TEM modules and its availability for most hydrothermal vent sits were verified. Development of a robust sytem for an AUV docking station that was simultaneously developed is expected for the observations of the hydrothermal ventic areas.