OTEC connection: power from the sea. [An overview of OTEC]
OTEC is discussed as a means of contributing to United States energy self-sufficiency. The technology involved in the conversion of ocean thermal gradients found in tropical regions to electricity transmittable by submarine cable is examined, with attention given to the operating principles of open- and closed-cycle Rankine engines and design considerations for the evaporators, condensers and heat exchangers. The environmental impact and economics of OTEC are considered, and Department of Energy research projects in areas of OTEC technology including heat transfer, biofouling, environmental assessment, underwater electrical transmission and mooring and test plants are indicated. It is pointed out that US islands presently offer excellent markets for early commercial OTEC plants, with Gulf Coast markets requiring further technology developments to be economically attractive.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst., Golden, CO
- OSTI ID:
- 5779241
- Journal Information:
- Sol. Eng. Mag.; (United States), Vol. 5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
AMMONIA
BIOLOGICAL FOULING
CONDENSERS
ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EVAPORATORS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
ISLANDS
POWER TRANSMISSION
RANKINE CYCLE ENGINES
US DOE
CONVERSION
ECONOMICS
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENGINES
FOULING
HEAT ENGINES
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN HYDRIDES
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
US ORGANIZATIONS
140800* - Solar Energy- Ocean Energy Systems