Energy generating system and method

Abstract

A plurality of inflation devices are linked to one another to form a loop that is movably restrained so that a segment of the loop is disposed at a lower reference location at the given depth in a first body of water, another segment of the loop is disposed at an upper reference location situated above the lower reference location, another segment of the loop extends along a first path that extends generally upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location, and another segment of the loop extends along a second path that extends generally parallel to the first path and upward from the lower reference location to the upper reference location. At least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the first path are inflated with gas and at least a majority of the inflation devices occupying the second path are deflated so that inflation devices in the first path move upward and inflation devices in the second path move downward. While each inflation device is proximate to the upper reference location, it is deflated by a compression facility that employs a differential temperature to controllably 'stroke' Nitinol. The traveling or movement of the inflation devices is utilized to elevate water that flows, under the force of gravity, through a hydroelectric generating facility that generates electricity.