Abstract
Research into renewable energy is an active field of research, with photovoltaic and wind being the most representative technologies. A promising renewable energy source is Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), based on the temperature gradient of seawater. This technology has two contradictory features, as its efficiency is relatively low while, on the other hand, its energy source is almost unlimited. OTEC research has focused on optimizing energy extraction, with different techniques having been used for this purpose. This article presents a review of the advances and applications of OTEC technology around the world. Throughout the document, the different uses of deep seawater are analyzed; further, the current systems which generate energy through the marine temperature gradient are reviewed, and the main advantages and disadvantages of each method are highlighted. The technical operations, construction variations, and the projects that have been developed around the world and those which are in the planning phase are also detailed. The two main conclusions are that this technology is still under development, but it is quite promising, especially for regions with little access to drinking water. Second, given the high implementation costs and low conversion efficiency, the development of this technology must be sponsored by governments.
Highlights
Islands contribute negligibly to the global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG); they emit large amounts of GHG per capita
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a renewable energy source based on sea temperature change, concerning depth
This paper presents a comprehensive overview of OTEC technology, based on its different prototypes, infrastructure, and technological advances in the development of devices, as well as the multiple applications that can be obtained to generate drinking water and food
Summary
Islands contribute negligibly to the global emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG); they emit large amounts of GHG per capita. A characteristic that hinders the propagation of tidal energy in the world is that it should be installed in places where the high and low tides have a considerable difference (i.e., of more than five meters) in height. Marine current power takes advantage of the kinetic energy of marine currents It is not widely used, it can be used to generate electricity in the future, as tides are more predictable than wind and sunlight. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a renewable energy source based on sea temperature change, concerning depth This temperature gradient can be used to drive a thermal machine that generates useful work, which is transformed into electricity [19].
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