Sources of Energy Ocean Thermal Energy

Sources of Energy Ocean Thermal Energy

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a process that can produce electricity by using the temperature difference between deep cold ocean water and warm tropical surface waters.

These plants can operate if the temperature difference between the water at the surface and water at depths up to 2 km is 293 K (20°C) or more.

Sources of Energy Ocean Thermal Energy

The warm surface-water is used to boil a volatile liquid like ammonia. The vapours of the liquid are then used to run the turbine of generator. The cold water from the depth of the ocean is pumped up and condense vapour again to liquid.

Oceanic Thermal Energy Conversion

Sources of Energy Ocean Thermal Energy

Sources of Energy

One of the main advantages when comparing OTEC to other renewables, such as wind and solar energy, is the fact that OTEC is a baseload source, available day and night.

Ocean Thermal Energy

OTEC is firm power (24/7), a clean energy source, environmentally sustainable and capable of providing massive levels of energy.

6

OTEC utilizes the world’s largest solar radiation collector - the ocean. The ocean contains enough energy power all of the world’s electrical needs. The potential of OTEC is vast. One square meter of Ocean surface area on average receives about 175 watts of solar irradiation.

Sources of Energy OTEC Description