Recirculation and thermocline perturbations from Ocean Thermal Power Plants
Numerical experiments were performed on the fluid motions resulting from the pumping action of ocean thermal power plants. In particular, the resulting thermocline distortions, sea surface temperature decrease and corresponding heat flow change were investigated. The object was to find engine discharge configurations and pumping rates that would minimize these alterations. This would result in both a minimal environmental impact and preservation of the temperature gradient across the engine, i.e. the energy resource. The results obtained to date use 2-D turbulent flow calculations. Near the engine, the sea surface temperature reduction ranges from 0.01 F to 3 F, depending on design, flow rate, season and location. The mean temperature of the warm inflow water is reduced by up to 4 F from the mean temperature at that depth, for certain designs and flow rates, due to recirculation and turbulence.
- Research Organization:
- Science Applications, Inc., McLean, VA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- N00014-76-C-0610; E(49-26)-1005
- OSTI ID:
- 5718395
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-064789
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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