Large Scale Ocean Based Ice Structures for Habitats, Storm and Flood Protection, and Industrial, Energy, and Transport Applications

A new approach, for large ocean structures, termed LISA (large ice structure assemblies) is proposed. Thermally insulated LISA ice structures can be used for a wide variety of applications, and can be constructed and maintained for many years at low cost. Three types of LISA structures are described: LISA-1 floating platforms for off-shore airports, habitats, industrial and power plants, drilling rigs, etc.; LISA-2 fixed structures in shallow waters for levees and dikes to protect coasts against storms and rising ocean levels; and LISA-3 submersibles for the long distance transport of large amounts of fresh water and other materials. LISA structures can be very large, multi- kilometers in lateral dimensions. Using conventional materials for thermal insulation, thermal leakage into LISA's-30degC ice interior is on the order of 1 watt(th)/per m
²
of surface area, with annual refrigeration costs of less than $1 per m
²
. LISA structures can be constructed at their operating site, or at a different location and towed to their site. Methods of construction are described. Construction at high latitudes using low ambient temperatures for refrigeration is possible, and enables very low construction cost.