Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) takes advantage of the difference in temperature between surface seawater and deep down seawater to generate electricity.
In a closed system, a liquid like ammonia, with a low boiling point, is made to boil using warm surface water. The gas released drives electricity generators. Cold deep water is then used to cool the gas back to liquid form, and the process begins again.
In an open system, warm sea water is pumped into a partial vacuum, where it immediately boils. The steam is used to drive generators, or to heat ammonia to drive generators. Cold deep water is again used for cooling and the process cycles on. One advantage of the open system is that it produces desalinated (fresh) water that can be used for drinking or irrigation.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is a clean, renewable energy source that has the potential to provide pollution-free electricity.
To see how the OTEC cycle works, and also see where it's gaining more attention around the world visit The On Project at the link below.
mechanical
The energy from the ocean is the major recipient of solar energy. And in turn, the energy from the ocean is also the major source of energy here on earth. Ocean energy takes three major forms: wave energy, tidal energy, and thermocline energy, popularly called ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)
David L. Thomas has written: 'A review of water intake screening options for coastal water users with recommendations for ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plants David L. Thomas, Ichtyological Associates, inc' -- subject(s): Ocean thermal power plants
Mark Bushnell has written: 'Ocean optical data from potential OTEC sites in the Gulf of Mexico' -- subject(s): Optical oceanography, Ocean thermal power plants 'It happened in Vermont' -- subject(s): History, Anecdotes
James F Jenkins has written: 'Corrosion and biofouling of OTEC system surfaces' -- subject(s): Ocean thermal power plants, Seawater corrosion, Design and construction
OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Generation) works under the principle of differential temperature of the ocean in its latitude by the solar heating of the oceans on the surface (250C & more)and depth (500-100 feet at 00C). Thermal gradient temperature upto 220 C and higher can be exploited The energy is derived by the heat loss in the cooling water when warm water vaporises ammonia to steam to drive the turbine to generate electricity. An effeciency of 6.7%- 7% can yield 32 mega watts power.
Any alternative to fossil fuel,wind power,solar power,hydro power,ocean power(OTEC,wave,tidal),bio fuel,urine power,free energy,and many more
some of the disadvantages of OTEC are given below:OTEC requires a lot of capital investmentdue to small temperature difference between the surface water and the deep water, the conversion efficiency is low(3%-4%)
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses warm surface water to produce steam (using either ammonia or a vacuum) to generate electricity. Cooler deep water then cools the system and the cycle continues. Enough electricity is produced to drive the pumps and the excess is exported to the grid.Advantages:Generates electricity with no greenhouse emissions.Totally renewable energy.Works day and night with only routine pump maintenance and little ongoing costs.Open system version produces desalinated water as well.Unlimited source of free energy especially in tropical waters.Disadvantages:(are few)Needs a large difference in temperatures (surface and deep) for best results.Needs to be close to the national grid.Needs a constant supply of warm and cold water, so only suitable for tropical locations.Plant needs safe location from storms and surf.
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses warm surface water to produce steam (using either ammonia or a vacuum) to generate electricity. Cooler deep water then cools the system and the cycle continues. Enough electricity is produced to drive the pumps and the excess is exported to the grid.Advantages:Generates electricity with no greenhouse emissions.Totally renewable energy.Works day and night with only routine pump maintenance and little ongoing costs.Open system version produces desalinated water as well.Unlimited source of free energy especially in tropical waters.Disadvantages:(are few)Needs a large difference in temperatures (surface and deep) for best results.Needs to be close to the national grid.Needs a constant supply of warm and cold water, so only suitable for tropical locations.Plant needs safe location from storms and surf.
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses warm surface water to produce steam (using either ammonia or a vacuum) to generate electricity. Cooler deep water then cools the system and the cycle continues. Enough electricity is produced to drive the pumps and the excess is exported to the grid.Advantages:Generates electricity with no greenhouse emissions.Totally renewable energy.Works day and night with only routine pump maintenance and little ongoing costs.Open system version produces desalinated water as well.Unlimited source of free energy especially in tropical waters.Disadvantages:(are few)Needs a large difference in temperatures (surface and deep) for best results.Needs to be close to the national grid.Needs a constant supply of warm and cold water, so only suitable for tropical locations.Plant needs safe location from storms and surf.
Otec