Research on the external fluid mechanics of ocean thermal energy conversion plants. Report covering experiments in stagnant water
The first set of experiments is described in a physical model study to explore plume transport and recirculation potential for a range of generic Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant designs and ambient conditions. Tests were conducted in a thermally-stratified 12 m x 18 m x 0.6 m basin, at an undistorted length scale ratio of 1:300, which allowed the upper 180 m of the ocean to be studied. Measurements included temperature, dye concentration and visual observations from still photographs. Conditions which have been tested include a range of plant sizes (nominally 200 MWe to 600 MWe), a range of discharge configurations (mixed vs. non-mixed evaporator and condenser flows; multiple vs. radial slot discharge port(s); variation of discharge-intake separation and variation of discharge angle), and a range of ambient density profiles (characterized by the depth of the surface mixed layer). The tests described herein are for a stagnant ambient ocean. Results have shown no significant recirculation for plant sizes up to 400 MWe for discharges directed either horizontally or with a downward component. However, significant recirculation was observed in a test of a 400 MWe plant in which the discharge was directed with a slight upward component and in a test of 600 MWe plant with a horizontal discharge. No significant difference in recirculation could be discerned between the mixed and the non-mixed discharge designs although substantial variation, in the plume equilibrium position was noted. Measurements of minimum plume dilution taken at approximately 1 km (prototype) from the plant generally fell in the range of 5 to 10 with a mean value of 7.4. This indicates that peak concentrations of any chemicals contained in the discharge would be about 14% of the discharge concentration. Other information, such as the plume shape and equilibrium position, intake temperature changes and perturbations to the ambient ocean profile, are included for each run.
- Research Organization:
- Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge (USA). Energy Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AS02-78ET20483
- OSTI ID:
- 6325563
- Report Number(s):
- MIT-EL-79-041; ON: DE81029648
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Research on the external fluid mechanics of ocean thermal energy conversion plants: report covering experiments in a current
Physical and numerical modeling of the external fluid mechanics of OTEC pilot plants