Data Analysis for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (otec)

Abstract

Abstract : Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is the concept for a system which will extract energy from the ocean by taking advantage of the sizable temperature difference between surface and bottom water in a tropical ocean. A fundamental part of an OTEC system is a large section of heat exchangers through which the energy transfer is made. It is crucial to keep the surface of these heat exchangers clean because fouling by organisms in sea water can cause deterioration of the heat transfer effectiveness. The Naval Coastal Systems Center (NCSC) investigated cleaning techniques that would effectively prevent fouling in metal tubes over a long period of time. The physical structure and cleaning systems of the OTEC assembly at Panama City, Florida have been described in several papers and will be dealt with only briefly here. This report will describe the computer driven control and data analysis system used in conjunction with the mechanical system. This will include explanations of the physical computer setup and its interaction with hardware components of the system, the software methods of sampling and data management, and data analysis techniques. A brief discussion of the underlying theory of heat transfer is also included.