CHAPTER 8 - MILITARY APPLICATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses military applications and implications of ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) systems. OTEC technology is based on utilization of the thermal gradient existing between warm surface water and cold water present at depths of approximately 1000 meters. In the closed-cycle system, which is technically ready for development, a secondary working fluid is vaporized in a large heat exchanger warmed by circulating surface water, passed through a conventional turbine-generator, and condensed in a large heat exchanger cooled by circulating water pumped from the 1000-meter depth through a massive pipe. Because a temperature gradient, ΔT, of at least 20°C is required for potentially economical energy conversion, sites for OTEC plants are restricted to the sub-tropical regions. Recently enacted legislation commits the United States to accelerated development and commercialization of OTEC technology. The OTEC Research, Development, and Demonstration Act establish goals for the Department of Energy OTEC development and mandate the pace of OTEC output growth. The OTEC Act of 1980 sets up regulations that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will govern the licensing of OTEC plants and establishes a loan guarantee program to aid their construction.