Utilize freezing water to generate energy

Abstract

In a cold climate, the outdoor temperature is below zero most of the year. The low temperature can be used as a free energy resource by freezing water in a confined volume. It is well known that freezing water in a confined volume can create high pressure up to 220 MPa. This force might be utilized and used to generate mechanical energy using a hydraulic motor. The primary objective of the current study is to introduce readers to the concept of power generation using the freezing of water. This study also presents and discusses the impact of different factors on the amount of energy that can be generated by the freezing of water. For this aim, a computer model, which describes the principle, was developed and verified by comparison with the experimental data collected from a small go-kart built previously. Simulations and experimental results showed that there is a possibility to generate a considerable amount of energy by freezing water. The performed simulations showed that the amount of energy depends very much on the design and initial conditions. In other words, the better designed system can increase the generated power.