The technology of ocean thermal energy conversion and its applications with a case study

Oceans make up most of the surface of earth with a percentage higher than 70%. The temperature difference between the surface water and deep ocean water can and is being utilized nowadays for energy production among other uses by using the temperature difference for Rankine cycles in the process of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). This paper will provide a general review on some of the most important aspects of OTEC including the history of OTEC, ocean temperature profile, the different types of OTEC cycles and working fluids. In addition, some of the applications of OTEC are also discussed as well as its global potential based on the temperature difference in oceans. A case study was conducted, and necessary values were calculated for a hypothetical OTEC facility with a location chosen based on the needed ocean temperature difference for operation. The relation between temperature difference and flow rate required was also studied.