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Title: Alternative energy transmission systems from OTEC plants. Project 8980 final report, June 1976--July 1977. [Tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene; octadiyne]

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6637348· OSTI ID:6637348

Techno-economic analyses are presented of three different methods of using shaftpower derived from an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plant to obtain currently usable forms of energy. ''High-energy'' fuels were studied to determine the initial feasibility of their synthesis on-board an OTEC plant. Fuels studied were hydrazine hydrate, anhydrous hydrazine, unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine, 1,7-octadiyne, and tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene. Carbonaceous fuels considered were methanol, gasoline, and methane. Transportation and terminal facilities for delivering and receiving the offshore-produced energy carriers were assessed. Thermal energy media were considered as both methods of storage and transportation of OTEC-derived energy. The characteristics of the storage medium, storage configuration and materials, system energy storage density, system thermal losses, heat energy efficiency, and cycle temperature are specified. The unit capital costs of storage, transport ships, and heat engines are also discussed. The methodology for the economic evaluation of the thermal energy transport system is also described. The ship transport concept description, the economic evaluation methodology, and the results for the costs for delivered thermal energy and electricity are given. Two ''electrochemical bridge'' techniques hold promise as alternate methods of OTEC electrical energy transport for long offshore distances where cables are impractical. Overall conclusions and recommendations were made based on the results of the entire study and are discussed.

Research Organization:
Institute of Gas Technology, Chicago, IL (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
EX-76-C-01-2426
OSTI ID:
6637348
Report Number(s):
DSE-2426-20
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English