By: Anthony Thomas

 Ocean thermal Energy conversion is a renewable energy.  Uses the differences that exist between deep and shallow waters to run a heat engine.  There are 3 types used: Open cycle, Close cycle, Hybrid cycle.

 As with any heat engine, the greatest efficiency and power is produced with the largest temperature difference.  Greater temperature differences usually exist with decreasing latitudes.  This system performs at the highest efficiency in tropical areas.  Close to the equator

 This system is one to two orders of magnitude higher than wave power.  Early OTEC systems had overall efficiency of only one to three percent.  Maximum efficiency is about six to seven percent.  Can operate continuously as base load power generation

 Difficult to maintain and expensive due to low thermal efficiency  For OTEC to be viable as a power source, the technology must have equal tax and subsidy treatment as a competing energy source. 

 If operated for 8000 hours per year and local electricity sell for 5-10 cents per kilowatt- hour, this system would save 200, ,000 dollars in energy bills annually.  Practical application- Air conditioning.

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