Abstract
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power plants use the natural temperature differences found in the ocean of tropical regions to drive turbines that create electricity. A thermal compressor (injector) applied in a power cycle allows extension of expansion of a working fluid. Therefore, the unique feature of the Injection Power Cycle (IPC) is that the maximal temperature difference of the working fluid in a power cycle is greater than the temperature difference between a heat source and a heat sink. This results in the increase of pressure drop and technical work of the working fluid during its expansion.
Furthermore, the OTEC power can be used:
- for seawater desalination and production of enough potable water to support large populations located near the coast and
- to produce energy carriers such as Hydrogen (stored in HYDRNOL: Organic Liquid Storage), which can be shipped to areas not close to OTEC resources. This could be fuel for thermal power plants, as well as for internal combustion vehicles, such as gas turbines and reciprocating engines. The ability to store and transport hydrogen within a liquid carrier at standard (room) temperature and atmospheric pressure provides many advantages over current hydrogen storage methods. The need for large, heavy storage tanks is eliminated. Major changes in the fuelling infrastructure of the world are avoided. The risk for explosion is minimized since the hydrogen is stored within a molecule and not in its elemental form. Furthermore, it is less flammable than gasoline or diesel. Also, HYDRANOL is cost effective when compared to traditional (fossil) fuels.