Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as Base Load Renewable Power

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence J. Shapiro
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Technology Development ◽  
Rankine Cycle ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion ◽  
Thermal Energy Conversion ◽  
Ocean Thermal Energy ◽  
Base Load

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a form of renewable solar energy that has the capability to provide 24 hour base load, dispatchable power to electrical systems. This is a major advantage over solar PV and wind, which are intermittent and can have significant adverse effects on grid stability once penetration exceeds 10% of grid capacity. This paper describes OTEC technology, suitable areas for implementation, current levels of technology development, regulatory barriers, problems posed by intermittent power generation as well as how it is differentiated from intermittent renewable technologies and can enhance grid stability. The discussion of the OTEC technology will include the underlying thermodynamics, critical heat transfer requirements and efficiency issues associated with low temperature Rankine Cycle applications. The discussion of suitable areas for implementation will include required ocean temperatures, ocean topography, current fuel dependence and regulatory issues to be addressed. The discussion of problems posed by intermittent power generation on networks will include transient response of grids to sudden changes in production as well as ramp rate requirements as solar PV comes on and off line on a daily cycle. OTEC, as a base load generation source, will be discussed in terms of market factors and reserve requirements.

scholarly journals Estimation of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Resources in the East of Malaysia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Sathiabama T. T. Thirugnana ◽  
Abu Bakar Jaafar ◽  
Takeshi Yasunaga ◽  
Tsutomu Nakaoka ◽  
Yasuyuki Ikegami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dissolved Oxygen ◽  
Energy Conversion ◽  
Thermal Energy ◽  
Biomass Energy ◽  
Relative Depth ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion ◽  
Thermal Energy Conversion ◽  
Oceanographic Data ◽  
Ocean Thermal Energy

The Malaysian Government has set a target of achieving 20% penetration of Renewable Energy (RE) in the energy mix spectrum by 2025. In order to get closer to the target, Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) aligned with solar PV, biogas and biomass energy sources must be evaluated and comprehended. Hybrid OTEC systems consisting of energy and water production are currently under research and validation. Therefore, for the construction of a commercial OTEC plant, 1 MW or 2.5 MW, the choice of a strategic location or potential site is vital. In this paper, oceanographic data such as seawater temperature, depth, salinity and dissolved oxygen obtained from the Japan Oceanographic Data Center (JODC) for Semporna, Tawau, Kudat, Pulau Layang-Layang and Pulau Kalumpang in Sabah, Malaysia, are reported. The RE available from the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) on the coast of Sabah was estimated based on the JODC data obtained. There were no remarkable differences in temperatures between the five sites, which were reported as approximately 27 °C at the surface and 7 °C at depths below 600 m. The surface salinities below 100 m at those sites were slightly lower than the deeper waters, where the salinity increased up to approximately 34.5 PSU. Dissolved oxygen data from the Pulau Kalumpang site showed a slight increment to approximately 4.7 mL/L at depth intervals below 50 m, before declining steadily to approximately 1.7 mL/L along with the depth. The temperature-salinity profiles of the Malaysian sites were congruent with those of Palau, Kumejima and Okinawa, but not with that of Fiji, where the salinity profile showed a distinct variation at the relative depth (below 200 m). Estimates of RE using two different methods were used to prove the potential of OTEC in Malaysia.

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