Abstract
The temperature gradient of the top and bottom layers of sea water can be employed for power generation through ocean thermal energy conversion cycles (OTEC). In this thermodynamic study, an organic Rankine cycle is used to convert the ocean thermal energy of the Arabian sea into useful electrical power. A comparative investigation is carried out between R152a and R1234yf working fluids. Sensitivity analysis is performed at varying condenser saturation temperatures and evaporator saturation temperatures. For the R152a OTEC cycle, 2.8% thermal efficiency, 47.9% exergy efficiency and 9064 W turbine work are obtained at the optimum point. Similarly, for the R1234yf working fluid in the OTEC cycle, 2.8% thermal efficiency, 46.9% exergy efficiency and 4818 W turbine work are obtained at the optimum point.