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Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) uses the difference in temperature between surface seawater and deep down seawater to generate electricity. It is a clean, renewable energy source that has the potential to free many economies from their dependence on oil.
How a closed system works:
- Warm surface water is hot enough to boil a fluid with a low boiling point, such as ammonia.
- The gas from the boiling fluid creates enough pressure to drive a turbine that generates electricity.
- The gas is then cooled by passing it through cold water pumped up from the ocean depths.
- The gas condenses back into a liquid that can be used again.
- The water is returned to the deep ocean.
How an open system works:
- Warm surface sea water is pumped into a low pressure vacuum chamber (1% to 3% atmospheric pressure).
- The water boils and the steam drives a turbine and generates electricity.
- Cold deep level water cools the steam into fresh (desalinated) water, suitable for drinking or irrigation.
How a hybrid system works:
- Warm surface sea water is pumped into a vacuum chamber, as above.
- The water steam boils ammonia in a heat exchange.
- The ammonia gas (steam) produces electricity.
- Cold deep level water cools both systems and produces liquid ammonia which is then used again, and desalinated water.
There are pilot plants running in Hawaii and many other places round the world. As the price of fossil fuel rises this technology becomes more and more attractive and economical. A lot of energy is used in these processes so the most suitable places need to:
- Have easy access to cold water
- Have easy access to warm water
- Have safe sheltered locations from storm and surf
- Be close to the electricity grid
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Ocean thermal energy conversion OTEC is a process that uses heat engines to convert differences in ocean water temperature into energy?
mechanical
What is the major source of energy on earth from the sun?
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)
What has the author David L Thomas written?
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
What is Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion - OTEC?
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.
What has the author Mark Bushnell written?
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
What has the author James F Jenkins written?
James F Jenkins has written: 'Corrosion and biofouling of OTEC system surfaces' -- subject(s): Ocean thermal power plants, Seawater corrosion, Design and construction
What is the process that extracts heat from seawater?
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.
What alternative energy?
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
What are some disadvantages of OTEC?
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%)
What are the advantages and disadvantages of ocean thermal energy?
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.
What are the ocean thermal energy advantages and disadvantages?
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.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the thermal energy?
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.
