College of Engineering Unit:
CMM Energy LLC has tasked our team to design an open-loop hydraulic air compression system designed for the aeration of hypoxic zones as well as a method for potential energy storage. The team has decided to focus on the field of aquaculture, more specifically oyster farming, as oyster farms typically struggle with hypoxic water conditions. The open-loop hydraulic air compression system would provide aerated water at an adequate flow rate and concentration to limit oyster disease and die-off in farming as a result of hypoxic water regions, aiming to revitalize oyster populations and associated farming regions.
Since hydraulic air compression systems (HACs) have not been implemented in ocean water before, research conducted in the past focuses on river/hydroelectric dam HAC systems and theoretically applying it to seawater. It is known that healthy ocean water consists of around 7-10 ppm O2, so that is the goal concentration that the aeration portion of the HAC will aim to achieve.
Our design includes a down-comer shaft length of 10 m, 10 HP pump, and an edductor with an inlet and outlet water flow rate of 500 GPM. Additionally, a hydro-cyclone is included; the aerated water and the compressed air must be separated at the outlet in order to allow for the aerated water to settle in the hypoxic zone as opposed to rising to the surface with the compressed air.
Future work includes the exploration of the application of compressed air storage, an economic analysis and market feasibility analysis, and research into ideal locations for application with respect to the social and environmental impacts. Future findings are believed to significantly contribute to the successful production of clean energy storage and restoration of native oyster populations and farming regions.