OTEC physical and climatic environmental impacts: an overview of modeling efforts and needs

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:6882141

Allender, J. H.; Ditmars, J. D.; Paddock, R. A.; Saunders, K. D.

The present overview of studies of the effects of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plant operation on the physical environment of the ocean includes a review of the pertinent results of past and contemporary model efforts in terms of their implications for OTEC development and suggestions for future research consistent with OTEC timetables. Particular consideration is given to the areas of utilization of the thermal resource, effects of a single OTEC plant, and aggregate effects of many OTEC plants. These potential effects include modification of the local temperature, salinity, and nutrient distributions, induced changes in mixed-layer depths and sea-surface temperatures, and dispersal of biocides or working fluids ( due to leaks). Investigation of several early baseline OTEC designs indicates that the fractional net power losses are equal to about 2.4 times the fractional loss in thermal resource. Power cycle optimization appears to require the probability distribution of the thermal resource at a site. Preliminary studies of recirculation show that some design concepts may suffer 5 to 10% loss in net power output, but that design modifications may eliminate recirculation as a serious problem. Additional physical (hydraulic) model studies are required to put bounds on the recirculation potential of several generic designs in the near future. Review of model capabilities and limitations suggests that physical model studies also are needed to meet near-term OTEC needs for predictions of the complex near-field (1 to 3 km) effects of a single OTEC plant. Analytical and numerical models seem best-suited for predictions of the intermediate-field (2 to 10 km) effects. Evaluation of several generic designs in various possible sites requires the establishment of worst-case scenarios consistent with site data and with the needs of those assessing biological and ecological impacts.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., Ill. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 6882141
• Report Number(s): CONF-780236-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140400 -- Solar Energy-- Environmental Aspects
140800* -- Solar Energy-- Ocean Energy Systems
CONVERSION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ENERGY CONVERSION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FLUIDS
LEAKS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION
REVIEWS
SALINITY
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
UPWELLING
WORKING FLUIDS