THE PRESENT STATUS AND FUTURE OF OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION

摘要

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a system of converting thermal energy into electricity by using the temperature difference between warm water at the surface of the ocean and cold water at its depths. In this paper, first, the principle of OTEC and the history and results of research and development for an OTEC plant using the open and closed Rankine cycle are described. The busbar cost of OTEC is compared with that of conventional power plants, and the Kalina cycle is also shown.