Ocean energy systems OTEC

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,... 

L. C. Trimble, B. L. Messinger, H. E. Ulbrich, G. Smith, and T. Y. Lin, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion System Study Report, Proc. 3d Workshop Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), APLIJIIU SR 75-2, pp. 3-21, August 1975. 

A. E. Bergles and M. K. Jensen, Enhanced Single-Phase Heat Transfer for OTEC Systems, Proc. 4th Conf. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA, pp. VI-41-VI-54, July 1977. 

D. Yung, J. J. Lorenz, and C. Panchal, Convective Vaporization and Condensation in Serrated-Fin Channels, in Heat Transfer in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion [OTEC] Systems, W. L. Owens, ed., HTD vol. 12, pp. 29-37, ASME, New York, 1980. 

OTEC power plants can be sited arywhere in the equatorial regions aroimd the world extending from roughly 10° north latitude to 10° south where warm water at the surface and cold water at depth are always available in the ocean. OTEC systems can be installed on ships or barges (plantships) that will cruise slowly on the tropical oceans. This will enable OTEC plantships to produce power and fuels anywhere on the tropical oceans, and provides a way for OTEC to make a vast potential contribution to world energy needs. OTEC plants canalso be installed on land or on the continental shelf at tropical sites where warm and deep cold water are available near shore. This option can add a renewable energy source to mary tropical islands and other suitable tropical sites. 

FIGURE 5 Types of flexible joints studied for OTEC CWP support. [From TRW (1979). Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Cold Water Pipe Preliminary Design Final Report. TRW Energy Systems Group.]... 

An OTEC installation comprises a power generating subsystem subsystems to convert the electric powerproduced to forms useful for power transmission and fuel production energy storage and transfer equipment equipment for position control of floating systems and facilities (ships, platforms, or on-land installations) to house and maintain the total system. Closed-cycle OTEC systems are suitable for installation on ships and, therefore, offer a potential way for OTEC plantships to draw power from the entire area of the tropical oceans and provide a major new source for renewable fuels production. 

S. M. Gerchakov, F. J. Roth, B. Sallman, L. R. Udey, and D. S. Marszalek, Observation on Microfouling Applicable to OTEC Systems, Proc. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Biofouling and Corrosion Symposium, Seattle, Washington (1977), pp. 63-75. 

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