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

对于热液喷射区的调查，利用AUV （Autonomous Underwater Vehicle）和水下观测站进行长期和广域的观测是必不可少的。为了稳定地为auv /站提供能量，提出了一种利用热液喷口释放的热能发电的新方法。利用原型机在冲绳海槽人工热液喷口进行了现场实验。该系统产生的最大功率为60瓦，平均功率为45瓦，一个24V17Ah的电池在1小时和2小时内部分充电。验证了使用TEM模块的原型的性能及其在大多数热液喷口位置的可用性。同时开发的AUV对接站的强大系统有望用于热液喷射区的观测。

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.