Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Converters

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technologies exploit the temperature difference between cold ocean water at a depth of 800 – 1000 metres (about 5 ⁰C) and warm surface water (about 25 ⁰C) to produce electricity. The warm surface water of 25 ⁰C is used to evaporise a working fluid with a low boiling point. The resulting vapour pressure drives a turbine-generator which produces electricity. After generation of energy in the turbine-generator, the working fluid is cooled using the cold ocean water of 5 ⁰C and the energy generation circle can start again. OTEC technologies are therefore generating energy in a closed loop, 24 hours a day, all year round.

OTEC technology requires a temperature difference of 20°C to achieve significant energy yields. This means that OTEC technologies can only be efficiently deployed in equatorial and tropical seas and oceans.

 Source: www.dutchmarineenergy.com