Electricity ocean thermal energy conversion

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power plants generate electricity by exploiting the difference in temperature between warm water at the ocean surface and colder waters found at ocean depths. To effectively capture this solar energy, a temperature difference of 35°F or more between surface waters and water at depths of up to 3,000 feet is required. This situation can be found in most of the tropical and subtropical oceans around the world that are in latitudes between 20 degrees north and 20 degrees south. 

The ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is an energy technology that converts solar radiation to electric power. OTEC systems use the ocean s natural thermal gradient to drive a power-prodncing cycle. As long as the temperature between the warm strrface water and the cold deep water differs by about 20 K, an OTEC system can produce a significant amormt of power. The oceans are thus a vast renewable resomce, with the potential to help tts produce billions of watts of electric power. 

OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION (OTEC). Utilization of ocean temperature differentials between solar-heated surface water and cold deep water as a source of electric power. In tropical areas such differences amount to 35-40°F. A pilot installation now operating near Hawaii utilizes a closed ammonia cycle as a working fluid, highly efficient titanium heat exchangers, and a polyethylene pipe 2000 feet long and 22 inches inside diameter to handle the huge volume of cold water required. Alternate uses for such a system, such as electrolysis of water,... 

The facilities used to harvest the ocean thermal energy are called OTEC plants (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion). To achieve their maximum potential they must be located in the open ocean near the equator, far from any market. Several schemes to transmit their output to the market have been examined. The most practical appears to be use the electric power to electrolyze water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen can be vented and the hydrogen liquefied for shipment to market. This scheme allows the OTEC plant to produce a storable fuel that can be used for most energy needs. 

The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) project in Hawaii produces electricity from the temperature difference between water near the surface of the ocean (about 27° C) and the 600 m deep water at 5°C that surrounds the island. Estimate the maximum net... 

Conceptual designs of alternative 5-MWe closed-cycle and open-cycle plants, including equipment for the production of fresh water, were completed. The cost comparison for the two options, is shown in Table XII. (IFREMER 1985. Ocean thermal energy conversion, the French version, a pilot electric power plant for French Indonesia March. 

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is another potential energy source. All that is required is tropical (warm) surface water and access to deep, very cold water. The difference in temperature is used to drive an electric generator via a turbine. (There is an added benefit in that the deep cold water usually is more fertile than surface water in the open ocean and can support mariculture). 

Thermionic energy conversion is a power generation method which can be used to convert thermal energy into electric energy directly. A thermionic energy converter is a nonmechanical device that has high reliability. Research has been carried out on thermionic energy converters for use in space and ocean environments. 

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