OTEC method

[Deking95]

Ocean is a huge reservoir of renewable energy. As all the fossil fuel energy of the world gets over, the only way of keeping the economy running is through the renewable energy. That’s why, the ocean energy investment has risen over the years.

The ocean energy can be used to convert into electricity using ocean turbines. One of the best ways of harnessing the ocean energy is the OTEC or the Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion. The OTEC can be used in three ways:

The first type of system is the closed cycle system which uses a fluid having low boiling point to rotate the turbine. When warm surface water enters, it makes the fluid to evaporate and produce vapors that turn the generator.

In an open cycle system, the warm surface water is placed in a low-pressure container. The steam turns the low-pressure turbine, thereby moving the generator. When it comes in contact with cold temperatures of the seawater, it is condensed back into liquid form.

In a hybrid-cycle system, the warm surface water flash vaporized causing the steam to vaporize the low-boiling point fluid. The vapors then drive the turbine and the generator creating electricity. When the steam comes in contact with the cold temperature, it condenses to create desalinated water.