Abstract
The study on the thermoeconomic evaluation of open-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion (OC-OTEC) objectives were to assess the economic and technical viability of OC-OTEC for the production of electricity and fresh water based on the current state-of-the-art; develop conceptual designs of optimized OC-OTEC plants that produce electricity and fresh water for plant sizes that are economically attractive; and identify the research issues that must be resolved before a commercial plant can be built. Oceanographic data for six potential sites were evaluated and ''generic'' site characteristics were developed. Current and projected prices and requirements for electricity and water at potential sites were obtained. The state-of-the-art of components comprising the OC-OTEC plant was reviewed. The highest performing, least costly, and least technically uncertain design for each component was selected. Component cost and performance models were then developed and integrated into thermoeconomic system models for single- and double-stage OC-OTEC plants that produced electricity and fresh water. A computerized optimization procedure was developed to obtain optimal plant configurations for the production of electricity and fresh water. Small-scale OC-OTEC appears economically and technologically feasible for many potential sites. OC-OTEC may represent a technology with tremendous near-term potential. It is recommended that it be aggressively pursued.
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