19-09-2017, 04:19 PM
The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) uses the temperature difference between the cooler deep and shallowest surface seas of the refrigerator to run a heat engine and produce useful work, usually in the form of electricity. OTEC can operate with a very high capacity factor and therefore can operate in "base load" mode.
Among ocean energy sources, OTEC is one of the continuously available renewable energy resources that could contribute to the base power source. The resource potential for OTEC is considered much higher than for other forms of ocean energy [World Energy Council, 2000]. Up to 88,000 TWh / year of energy could be generated from OTEC without affecting the ocean's thermal structure.
Systems can be closed loop or open loop. The closed cycle OTEC uses working fluids that are often considered as refrigerants such as ammonia or R-134a. These fluids have low boiling points and are therefore suitable to feed the system generator to generate electricity. The most commonly used heat cycle for OTEC to date is the Rankine cycle, which uses a low pressure turbine. Open-cycle motors use seawater vapor as the working fluid.
OTEC can also supply quantities of cold water as a by-product. This can be used for air conditioning and refrigeration and deep ocean nutrient rich water can power biological technologies. Another by-product is the distilled fresh sea water.
The OTEC theory was first developed in the 1880s and the first bench size demonstration model was built in 1926. Currently the only operating OTEC plant in the world is in Japan, overseen by Saga University.
Among ocean energy sources, OTEC is one of the continuously available renewable energy resources that could contribute to the base power source. The resource potential for OTEC is considered much higher than for other forms of ocean energy [World Energy Council, 2000]. Up to 88,000 TWh / year of energy could be generated from OTEC without affecting the ocean's thermal structure.
Systems can be closed loop or open loop. The closed cycle OTEC uses working fluids that are often considered as refrigerants such as ammonia or R-134a. These fluids have low boiling points and are therefore suitable to feed the system generator to generate electricity. The most commonly used heat cycle for OTEC to date is the Rankine cycle, which uses a low pressure turbine. Open-cycle motors use seawater vapor as the working fluid.
OTEC can also supply quantities of cold water as a by-product. This can be used for air conditioning and refrigeration and deep ocean nutrient rich water can power biological technologies. Another by-product is the distilled fresh sea water.
The OTEC theory was first developed in the 1880s and the first bench size demonstration model was built in 1926. Currently the only operating OTEC plant in the world is in Japan, overseen by Saga University.