Rinnovabili, in Alaska il Sealife Center usa l’acqua del mare per il riscaldamento

di Redazione 42

Nuove frontiere per le energie rinnovabili. L'Alaska SeaLife Center abbandona le fonti tradizionali e gestisce il riscaldamento utilizzano l'acqua di mare come vettore dello scambio termico.

alaska rinnovabili
Al mare ed ai suoi complessi fenomeni cinetici, chimici e termici si è sempre guardato con straordinario interesse nell’ambito delle energie rinnovabili. Sono molteplici i principi tecnici che permettono l’impiego dell’energia marina utilizzando i natali movimenti delle acque o sfruttandone le proprietà chimiche e fisiche. Una innovativa soluzione che permette di utilizzare le acque marine come vettore termico per il riscaldamento degli ambienti è stata presentata dall’Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), grande acquario che sorge nella città di Seward in Alaska e che come istituto di ricerca porta avanti anche numerosi progetti scientifici sull’ambiente marino.

Nuove rinnovabili, il calore arriva dai mari

Il Sealife Center ha annunciato pochi giorni fa di aver spostato il 98% del proprio fabbisogno energetico per il riscaldamento dai combustibili fossili tradizionali all’acqua di mare. Quest’ultima è infatti utilizzata come vettore per la produzione di calore attraverso un processo tecnicamente complesso ma anche molto promettente. I risultati ottenuti arrivano da un percorso di ricerca e di sviluppo durato sette anni e basato sui principi della così detta energia talassotermica. Nel progetto infatti si sfrutta la capacità delle acque marine di accumulare e trattenere il calore per lunghi periodi rilasciandolo molto lentamente. Per effetto di questa proprietà nella stagione fredda le acque del mare si trovano ad una temperatura decisamente superiore rispetto a quella dell’aria e possono quindi essere utilizzate per produrre calore da utilizzare ad esempio per il riscaldamento degli edifici. Chiaramente affinché questo schema sia di utilità pratica è necessario poter ‘concentrare’ il calore disponibile fino a ottenere risultati termodinamici paragonabili a quelli ottenibili con i combustibili tradizionali o l’energia elettrica. Ed è proprio in questa direzione che si è mosso il progetto dell’Alaska SeaLife Center realizzato con la collaborazione di YourCleanEnergy.

Ma come funziona più concretamente la nuova via alle energie rinnovabili impiegata dall’ASLC? I due elementi chiave del progetto sono da un lato le acque marine di Resurrection Bay e dall’altro un innovativo scambiatore di calore che utilizza anidride carbonica (CO2). Il processo può essere sintetizzato in quattro passaggi:

  • Il calore presente nell’acqua marina viene utilizzato per riscaldare una miscela di glicole e acqua.
  • Il glicole riscaldato viene quindi inviato a quattro pompe di calore operanti in parallelo dove viene a contatto con un refrigerante composto al 99,9% di CO2.
  • Il calore scambiato tra i due fluidi è sufficiente a portare all’evaporazione la CO2 che sotto forma di gas viene quindi compressa per innalzarne ulteriormente la temperatura.
  • L’anidride carbonica compressa e riscaldata viene infine utilizzata per riscaldare acqua non salata che viene poi inviata alle stanze dell’edificio per regolarne la temperatura.
  • Alla fine del percorso l’acqua salta viene restituita al mare ad una temperatura inferiore a quella iniziale.

Nella prima fase del progetto nelle pompe di calore era stato utilizzato un refrigerante artificiale. Nelle successive fasi di sviluppo del progetto è stato poi implementato l’uso della CO2 nelle pompe di calore andando a ridurre ulteriormente ogni possibile impatto ambientale del sistema. Anche il contributo alla produzione del calore necessario all’edificio è progressivamente aumentato nel tempo. Se inizialmente il nuovo sistema copriva solo parzialmente il fabbisogno della struttura oggi come detto tale copertura è pressoché completa.

Notevoli sono anche i vantaggi in termini economici. L’Alaska SeaLife Center stima che il ricorso alle acque marine per il riscaldamento consentirà un risparmio attorno ai 15 dollari al mese rispetto ai sistemi tradizionali. La sostituzione delle caldaie a combustibile fossile e dei boiler elettrici con un sistema a pompa di calore permetterà inoltre di ridurre le emissioni annue di oltre 550 tonnellate.

Difficile è invece valutare al momento le possibilità di impiego su più ampia scala di questa soluzione. I costi di un sistema di riscaldamento a pompa di calore che utilizzi l’acqua marina sono sicuramente elevati e di conseguenza il modello è replicabile solo per strutture di grandi dimensioni vicine alla costa. D’altro canto nuove evoluzioni potrebbero consentire in futuro l’applicazione del modello anche su scala più piccola ed a costi iniziali più bassi.

Il mare e l’energia talassotermica

Il sistema di riscaldamento realizzato all’ASLC rientra -almeno in parte- tra le modalità di impiego dell’energia talassotermica che deriva dal calore accumulato nelle acque marine ed oceaniche. Classificata a pieno titolo tra le rinnovabili, questa fonte di energia è stata già utilizzata sfruttando i gradienti termici tra le acque superficiali (generalmente più calde) e quelle profonde (più fredde). Anche in questo caso si utilizza un ciclo chiuso in cui le acque a temperatura maggiore sono utilizzate per far evaporare un fluido che poi concentrato in pressione fa muovere una turbina e genera energia. Il gas riscaldato viene quindi condensato e riportato ad una temperatura più bassa sfruttando le acque più fredde per poi riprendere il ciclo.

Energie rinnovabile dal mare possono essere prodotte anche sfruttando la proprietà chimiche dall’acqua (come il gradiente salino) ma allo stato attuale i sistemi più collaudati utilizzano i moti delle acque; rientrano i questa categoria tutti i progetti che sfruttano le maree, le correnti marine e le onde per produrre energia.

Photo | Thinkstock

Commenti (42)

  1. I just want to mention I’m new to blogs and truly enjoyed this website. Most likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You surely come with very good articles and reviews. With thanks for sharing your blog site.

  2. Cause of Arthritis… […]here are some links to sites that we link to because we think they are worth visiting[…]…

    http://partscatalog.sellload.com/

  3. certainly like your website however you have to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the reality then again I¡¦ll definitely come back again.

  4. I will right away take hold of your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognize in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  5. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.

  6. You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the work you write. The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

  7. Good ¡V I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..

  8. IMSC SEO is a Singapore SEO Company. They provide comprehensive Singapore SEO services to help SG businesses to gain traffic from search engine. Their SEO agency has many years of experiences working with overseas companies on more competitive grounds. They are the best seo company in Singapore you can find. Their SEO expert and consultant understand exactly what search engine optimization your company need to gain search engine traffic.

    http://www.shortmyurls.com/imsc-home-comment-general

  9. Divorcemind.com is a online divorce resource for divorce attorney, attornies and lawyers. You will find the best divorce information online. Divorce Mind will make your divorce or separation a quick, convenient and private.

    http://www.shortmyurls.com/divorcemind-divorces

  10. Divorcemind.com is a online divorce resource for divorce attorney, attornies and lawyers. You will find the best divorce information online. Divorce Mind will make your divorce or separation a quick, convenient and private.

    http://www.shortmyurls.com/divorcemind-divorces-comment

  11. I’ve read several excellent stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot attempt you put to make any such great informative web site.

  12. You have brought up a very great details , regards for the post.

  13. I really enjoy looking through on this website, it contains superb content. “A short saying oft contains much wisdom.” by Sophocles.

  14. SacramentoCremation.us is one of the leading crematorium services in the Sacramento area. Feel free to contact us regarding any questions on Sacramento Cremation Services or concerns you might have. Our staff will respond to you as soon as possible.

    http://www.shortmyurls.com/sacramentocremation-services-comment-gen

  15. SacramentoCremation.us is one of the leading crematorium services in the Sacramento area. Feel free to contact us regarding any questions on Sacramento Cremation Services or concerns you might have. Our staff will respond to you as soon as possible.

    http://www.shortmyurls.com/sacramentocremation-comment-general

  16. Hands down, Apple’s app store wins by a mile. It’s a huge selection of all sorts of apps vs a rather sad selection of a handful for Zune. Microsoft has plans, especially in the realm of games, but I’m not sure I’d want to bet on the future if this aspect is important to you. The iPod is a much better choice in that case.

  17. Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.

  18. Between me and my husband we’ve owned more MP3 players over the years than I can count, including Sansas, iRivers, iPods (classic & touch), the Ibiza Rhapsody, etc. But, the last few years I’ve settled down to one line of players. Why? Because I was happy to discover how well-designed and fun to use the underappreciated (and widely mocked) Zunes are.

  19. IMSC SEO is a Singapore SEO Company. They provide comprehensive Singapore SEO services to help SG businesses to gain traffic from search engine. Their SEO agency has many years of experiences working with overseas companies on more competitive grounds. They are the best seo company in Singapore you can find. Their SEO expert and consultant understand exactly what search engine optimization your company need to gain search engine traffic.

    http://www.shortmyurls.com/imsc-home-comment-general

  20. IMSC SEO is a Singapore SEO Company. They provide comprehensive Singapore SEO services to help SG businesses to gain traffic from search engine. Their SEO agency has many years of experiences working with overseas companies on more competitive grounds. They are the best seo company in Singapore you can find. Their SEO expert and consultant understand exactly what search engine optimization your company need to gain search engine traffic.

    http://www.shortmyurls.com/imsc-services-comment-exact

  21. It’s the right opportunity to construct some options for the extended term. I have digested this blog and if I may just, I want to encourage you handful of fascinating proposal.

    http://www.addarug.us

  22. I really need to inform you you that I am new to having a blog and clearly adored your report. More than likely I am prone to bookmark your blog post . You certainly have lovely article information. Delight In it for expressing with us your favorite domain report

    http://www.seohero5.info

  23. I was very happy to find this website. I wanted to thank you for ones time for this particularly fantastic read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it and i also have you bookmarked to check out new information in your web site.

    http://www.cstbprivacy.org

  24. Tremendously insightful knowledge you have said, thanks a lot for writing.

    http://www.irreantum.org

  25. Greetings there, just turned out to be receptive to your wordpress bog through Search engines like google, and discovered that it is truly useful. I’ll appreciate in the event you persist this informative article.

    http://www.divorcelawyer5.info

  26. This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.

  27. I merely wish to show you that I am new to writing a blog and incredibly cherished your article. Very possible I am probably to bookmark your blog post . You undoubtedly have memorable article information. Be Thankful For it for discussing with us your current internet site post

    http://www.searchengineoptimization4.info

  28. Very intriguing specifics you have mentioned, warm regards for publishing.

    http://independentwoundcaresolutions.com

  29. Absolutely intriguing suggestions you have stated, thanks so much for putting up.

    http://www.needleguidance.com

  30. Quite stimulating suggestions that you have said, thanks a lot for adding.

    http://www.clickandseetv.com

  31. wonderful publish, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not understand this. You should continue your writing. I am sure, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  32. I’m pretty pleased to find this page. I want to to thank you for ones time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every bit of it and i also have you saved as a favorite to see new things in your site.

    http://www.napkc.com

  33. It really is most suitable day to generate some goals for the long-term. I have read through this write-up and if I may, I want to suggest to you you handful of enlightening recommendations.

    http://www.niwc.org

  34. I haven¡¦t checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I¡¦ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂

  35. It really is right opportunity to make some options for the long-term. I have browsed this piece of writing and if I may possibly, I wish to propose you some intriguing recommendation.

    http://www.enginetheater.com

  36. Good morning there, just became conscious of your wordpress bog through Search engines like google, and have found that it is truly educational. I will like should you continue on this.

    http://www.divorcelawyer3.info

  37. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  38. You made various good points there. I did a search on the issue and found a good number of persons will consent with your blog.

  39. I really have to notify you that I am new to blogging and totally valued your site. Most likely I am prone to save your blog post . You definitely have memorable article content. Love it for giving out with us the best blog report

    http://www.seattleseo3.info

  40. Great tremendous issues here. I¡¦m very satisfied to peer your post. Thanks a lot and i’m having a look forward to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?

  41. Hello. fantastic job. I did not expect this. This is a impressive story. Thanks!

  42. Unbelievably enlightening information that you have remarked, many thanks for adding.

    http://www.integratedalliances.biz

Lascia un commento

Il tuo indirizzo email non verrà pubblicato.

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

Questo sito usa Akismet per ridurre lo spam. Scopri come i tuoi dati vengono elaborati.