Ocean thermal energy conversion systems

One of the more ambitious underseas projects involving syntactic foam is a 23-ton flotation collar that provides 32 tons of buoyancy 46). The part, 5.5 m in diameter and 3 m long, encases cold-water pipes, in an oceanic thermal-energy conversion system being developed by the US Department of Energy it has been tested off the coast of Hawaii, at depths of 915 m. 

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. 

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,... 

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. 

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.]... 

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. 

Ocean Energy Systems - Energy conversion technologies that harness the energy in tides, waves, and thermal gradients in the oceans. 

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