Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: Aiming for a Clean Future

Avany B, Mereena Davis, Sunil Kumar P G

Department of Naval Architecture and Ship Building
Sree Narayana Gurukulam College Of Engineering
Kolenchery Ernakulum Kerala India 682311
Email: avanyavn492@gmail.com
Abstract – The offshore renewable energy sources include
waves, tides, salinity gradient energy, offshore wind and
ocean thermal energy which have the potential of generating
clean energy which comes in great advantage for a wide
verity of applications and support sustainable development,
reducing the emission of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion
(OTEC), a continuous source of renewable energy among the
ocean energy sources, focuses on producing energy by
harnessing the sea water temperature gradient between its
surface layers and deep layers. This process is much more
predictable and reliable than other renewable energy
sources. The continuous energy production ensures
reliability of the future energy availability. The development
of these renewable energy sources and technologies from the
sea on a commercial basis has the potential for new
entrepreneurship with vast job opportunities with the global
energy transition. At a juncture when the world is exploring
options to move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy
sources, OTEC offers a lot of scope. This paper analyses the
different types of OTEC and their possible fields of
applications, financial aspects, ecological and environmental
issues etc. The long term changes in the physical
environment of the oceans, along with random climate
changes that affect marine ecosystem and possible methods
for mitigating their impacts to identify a way forward to
improve the environmental consenting process are also
included.
Keywords - Offshore Renewable Energy; Ocean Thermal
Energy Conversion.
INTRODUCTION
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) uses the
temperature gradient that exists between deep and shallow
ocean water layers to run a heat engine. Large volumes of
cold water from the depths are brought to the surface by
using pipes while warmer water from the ocean surface is
taken back to the OTEC plant. The temperature difference
between the surface and deep layers increases with
decrease in latitude, by nearly 20⁰C.The technical
challenges faced by OTEC systems include overcoming
heat exchanger bio fouling which reduces efficiency,
dissolved gas heat exchanger erosion as cold water is
taken up and the problems faced in maintaining the
pressure required by different systems. The main
advantage of OTEC systems is the infinite availability of
the resource which provides a desirable power output. The
efficiency of the OTEC system depends on the
temperature gradient. As the scientists all over the world
are striving to develop new sources of renewable energy,
OTEC has a lot to promise with its unlimited potential.
The system can be implemented as a part of a futuristic
energy strategy.
1 .TYPES OF OTEC
OTEC differs by using a different working fluid, lower
pressures and temperatures. OTEC may be divided into
two categories; closed cycle and open cycle.
1.1 Closed Cycle
The series of steps in a closed cycle are repeated with the
same working fluid, the flow path of the fluid and
thermodynamic process constitutes closed loops, and
hence the name closed cycle is used. The process adopted
for closed cycle OTEC is the Rankine or vapour power
cycle. In a closed cycle system, the working fluid is
pumped back to the evaporator after condensation. A
boiler containing liquid ammonia is boiled by water from
just below the ocean surface, producing vapour. The
vapour expands as it passes through a turbine, producing
power to drive an electric generator, which then enters a
water cooled condenser, drawn from a depth. The liquid is
pumped back into the evaporator to complete the cycle.
As the process continues, continuous power generation is
possible as long as the warm water and cold water
continue to flow. Any refrigerant fluids can be used as the
working fluid of OTEC system, but ammonia is the
appropriate choice. The major components are heat
exchangers, turbo generator, sea water supply system,
separators and subsystems. The process flowchart is
indicated in Fig 1.

Fig. 1 Flowchart of closed cycle OTEC.
1.2 Open Cycle
The working fluid in this cycle is water vapour, which is
discharged after a single pass and has different initial and
final thermodynamic states, so the flow path and process
are open. Warm sea water from the ocean surface is boiled
in a chamber by reducing the pressure low enough using a
vacuum pump. The low pressure steam is then passed
through a turbine attached to an electrical generator. It is
then discharged into the ocean after condensing by cold
seawater in a similar chamber, and desalinated water is
obtained in the form of steam. The major components are
the evaporator, condenser, vacuum compressor, sea water
and discharge pumps.The process flow chart is indicated
in Fig 2.
Fig. 2 Flowchart of Open Cycle OTEC
2. APPLICATIONS OF OTEC
2.1 Freshwater Generation
In the current scenario, when the world is facing with
shortage of freshwater, OTEC is a viable solution.
Desalinated water can be produced in OTEC plants using
condensers to turn evaporated seawater into fresh water
suitable for human consumption and other agricultural
uses. A vacuum pump extracts air form the closed system.
When sea water is pumped into the flash chamber it boils,
allowing pure steam to rise leaving the salt and remaining
other sea water impurities behind. The steam is returned to
the liquid state in a heat exchanger. Studies shows that a 2
MW plant could produce about 4300 cubic metres of
desalinated water each day. [3]
Fig. 3 Flowchart of OTEC cycle for freshwater generation.
2.2 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
The cold, deep sea water can be used to maintain cold
storage spaces and provide air conditioning both for
industries and homes nearby the installation. Studies
shows that a 1 foot diameter pipe can deliver 4,700
gallons of water per minute. Water at 6⁰C could provide
more than enough air conditioning for a large building[3].
The Intercontinental Resort and Thalasso-Spa on the
island of Bora Bora uses an SWAC system to air-
condition its buildings. In 2010, Copenhagen Energy
opened a district cooling plant in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The plant delivers cold seawater to commercial and
industrial buildings, and has reduced electricity
consumption by 80 %.
2.3 Climate Control
Ocean thermal gradient can be used to increase rainfall
and moderate the high ambient summer temperatures in
tropics to benefit the mankind and the flora and fauna
enormously. Ocean ward dry and warm wind would not
contribute to rainfall on the landmass while landward
moist wind from the ocean provides adequate rainfall and
comfortable ambient temperatures on the landmass.
Monsoon global winds can be guided to landmass by
creating high pressure zones by artificial upwelling on sea
area mimicking the natural upwelling.
2.4 Aquaculture
The cold deep ocean waters are rich in nutrients which are
depleted in surface by biological consumption and are low
in pathogens, so OTEC can be used as an excellent
method for cultivation of marine organisms. Bio mimicry
can be applied to create artificial upwelling suitable for
fertilizing. The cold water is applied to cultivate lobsters,
oysters, flounder, sea urchins, abalone, kelp, macro and
micro algae etc. Expensive feed can be replaced by natural
feeding to keep the fish stock in the kept environment.
 25
22
20
15
14
10
5 5.5 4.5
4 3.8 3
0
0 1000 2000 3000
Fig. 4 A Plot of change in temperature with increase in depth . [4]
Typical temperature gradient across the oceans is
indicated in Fig. 5
Fig. 5 Temperature distribution [6]
Low Temperature Thermal Desalination Plants taken up
by MoES- NIOT [5]
The existing OTEC projects in India are:
a) 2005 : Kavaratti Plant – 100 m3/day.
b) 2007 : Barge Mounted Plant -1000 m3/day.
c) 2009 : Power Plant Based LTTD – 150 m3/day.
d) 2011 : Agatti and Minicoy Plants- 100 m3/day.
e) 2013 : Solar MED 35 m3/day ( Cond.design by
NIOT ).
f) 2 x 1000 m3/day : Power Plant based Plant in
Tuticorin ( Design Stage, fabrication to commence
) involved in bio fouling, about the fouling process, effect
g) 10000 m3/day Offshore Plant ( DPR Stage).
h) 6 x 150 m3/day : Plants in Lakshadweep Islands.
SAGAR SHAKTI : India’s first power plant on sea
Sagar Shakti is India’s first OTEC barge generating
electricity utilizing the temperature gradient between the
surface and deep sea water. It was conceived and
developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology,
Chennai and Dempo Shipbuilding and Engineering Pvt
Ltd, Goa. The barge produces 1 MW of electricity. The
barge was tried operating with ammonia as a working
fluid for the OTEC cycle. It was reported to have met with
an ammonia leakage accident and loss of many lives.
Hence the project got abandoned.
2.8 2.5 2
4000 5000
Fig. 6 Sagar Shakti, an OTEC barge by NIOT [7]
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF OTEC
The effects of the biological and physical marine
environment on the continuing operation of an OTEC
system include the following
a) Appropriate materials and structures.
b) Development of environmentally acceptable
methods of bio fouling control.
c) Assessment of the design requirements for the
system to withstand the worst storms
predicted at the operating site.
d) Documentation of the marine environment
potential OTEC sites
e) Assessment of impacts of the large warm and
cold water flows of OTEC on local ocean
structure, flow patterns, currents, temperatures
and marine biology.
3.1 Impacts of marine biological environment on OTEC
operation
The impacts of marine biological environment on OTEC
operation includes the identification of marine organisms
of the operational site of fouling, measurement of bio
fouling rates, measurement of the reduction of heat
transfer as a function of bio fouling rates and evolution
procedures.
a) Fouling occurs at heat exchangers and not at
condenser. It can be prevented by injecting
chlorine into the inlet water.
 b) Bio fouling is not site specific at deep water
tropical sites.
c) Existing concerns that bio fouling could
degrade OTEC performance are relieved.
d) Materials satisfying the technical and
commercial cost are identified and tested.
3.1.1 BIOFOULING
Bio fouling includes the formation of slime on the surface
exposed to sea water and a bacterial film on the heat
exchanger surface. This film supports the growth of
marine organisms which gradually builds a layer on the
surface. It is a serious issue for the working of OTEC
system. Compared to coastal waters, rich in marine life,
fouling rates are lower in tropical waters suitable for
OTEC operation. To control bio fouling, chemical agents
can be used in environmentally safe concentration and
physical methods at lower intensities or longer time
intervals. As heat transfer coefficients can be improved by
better designs, sensitivity of performance to bio fouling
will increase. A practical method for bio fouling control is
available as a result of many researches which are
brushing and ultra violet and ultra-sonic radiations.
3.2 Effects of OTEC operation on marine environment
It is desirable for OTEC plants to operate in a way that
cause minimal environmental impacts. OTEC could affect
the marine biological environment as enumerated below:
a) Adding stimulants, like nitrogen or deterrents
such as traces of chlorine and other
contaminants to marine growth.
b) Temperature difference and currents induced
by water leaving the heat exchangers.
c) The mixing of discharge from plants with
water near the surface is more important for
moored plants operating near local fishing or
recreational areas than for grazing plants
operating in wide range of high seas.
3.3 Other impacts
Power output from ocean sited OTEC plants will be
converted to fuel or energy intensive product for transport
to land users. The transportation and conversion process
have impacts on environment. Plants are designed in
accordance to various national and international
guidelines.
4. Trade off analysis of OTEC systems
A trade off analysis of OTEC systems has been done and
the results are indicated below.
Advantages
a) OTEC produces clean environmental friendly
renewable energy.
b) Produces energy all the time unlike solar energy.
c) Produces baseload electrical energy on a
continuos basis.
d) OTEC involves no cost for fuel or its preparation
and storage.
e) Desalination of sea water.
f) Low pressure and temperature of OTEC cycle
permits major reduction in component cost
compared with conventional power systems,
dependent on high temperature, high pressure
and special materials for efficient operation.
g) OTEC operation will be safe and environmental.
h) Produces fuels such as hydrogen, ammonia and
methanol.
i) Provides air conditioning and refrigeration for
buildings.
Disadvantages
a) The capital cost for an OTEC plant is very high.
b) Underwater transportation is very difficult since
the energy produced offshore needs to be carried.
c) Geographical area of production.
d) Slight temperature difference.
e) Harmful effects on marine life.
f) Energy required to pump cold deep water to
surface.
g) Risk of the leakage of ammonia.
h) Desirable temperature difference for optimum
exploitation, 20⁰C between warm surface and
deep water.
i) The pipes could damage coral reefs.
j) Biofouling.
k) Parasitic power consumption by power
compressor.
l) Mariculture operations
CONCLUSIONS
It is pertinent that Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion has
a large potential to produce clean environment renewable
energy without any harmful emissions. OTEC produces
energy round the clock on a continuous basis, unlike solar
energy. The system involves no operational cost for fuel
or its preparation and storage. OTEC finds many other
applications including freshwater generation, mariculture,
air conditioning, production of special fuels such as
hydrogen, ammonia, methanol etc. The various aspects of
OTEC impacting the marine environment including bio
fouling are identified and analysed. There are many fields
where OTEC becomes beneficial, but they have
limitations too. The capital cost for an OTEC plant is very
high. Underwater transportation is very difficult since the
energy produced offshore needs to be transmitted. The
plant has negative impacts on the marine life and high risk
of leakage of ammonia. With promising new technologies,
efforts are made in the field of OTEC prioritizing the
health of the marine environment while producing clean
energy.

WAY AHEAD
The accident possibility of ammonia leakage needs to be
analysed by the most advanced technologies for
minimising accidents and the resulting loss of lives. The
technical and financial aspects of transmission of the
energy produced offshore needs to be analysed to ensure
seamless transmission to the desired locations at an
optimum cost. Another area which needs further study is
the impact of OTEC plants on marine flora and fauna.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude

to the Principal of the Institution and other faculty
members who provided all the support and guidance that
was needed in completing this paper successfully. Finally
there is much pleasure in thanking all the team members
for their effort and support throughout the paper.

REFERENCES

[1] William H Avery, Chi Wu , Renewable Energy from the Ocean,

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratories Series in
Science and Engineering.
[2] G.C Nihous and M. Gauthier, Marine Renewable Energy Handbook
12, edited by B. Multon (John Wiley & Sons , New York, 2011) pp.
367-401
[3] AIP Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy
https://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/1.4850521
[4] https://images.app.goo.gl/z687jikobj9gBZZc6
[5] https://images.app.goo.gl/5X4X34BDm6Nr9ime7
[6]https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/
File:Temperaturuntersehiede_Ozeane.png
[7] https://images.app.goo.gl/g6RrNr3BXPCrUYDC8