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Title: Conceptual design study: cold water pipe systems for shelf-mounted OTEC powerplants. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6487011· OSTI ID:6487011

This study considers the conceptual design and installation aspects of CWP systems for shelf-mounted OTEC power plants in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. CWP systems using FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) and steel have been designed: FRP, because the buoyancy of the pipe can be controlled by varying the core thickness; and steel, because of decades of successful use as a structural material in offshore applications. A marine railway approach was chosen for installation of the CWP. Two methods for pulling the track for the railway down the pipe fairway to final location are presented. The track is then permanently fastened to the sloping seabed with piles installed by a remotely controlled cart that rides on the track itself, thus minimizing deep water control problems. Both the marine railway and the shelf-mounted platform that houses the OTEC power plant must have an anodic or equivalent corrosion protection system, which would require the same inspection and maintenance procedures as currently used for offshore oil production platforms.

Research Organization:
McDermott, Inc., New Orleans, LA (USA); Giannotti and Associates, Inc., Annapolis, MD (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AI01-79CS20396
OSTI ID:
6487011
Report Number(s):
DOE/NOAA/OTEC-36; ON: DE81023737
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English