Page 384 - Handbook of Energy Engineering Calculations

SECTION 10

OCEAN ENERGY ENGINEERING

Ocean Energy Parameters

Analysis of an OTEC Claude Cycle Efficiency and Flow Rates

Wave Calculations for Characteristics and Energy and Power

Densities

Computation of Modulated Single-Pool Tidal System Energy and
Power

OCEAN ENERGY PARAMETERS*

Energy from the world’s oceans has intrigued engineers for more than a
century. Three energy conversion methods have been considered for the
oceans which make up some 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. These

methods are:

1. Ocean temperature energy conversion (OTEC).

2. Converting wave energy to useful power.

3. Using the rise and fall of ocean tides to produce power.

In the oceans there is a moderate temperature difference, or gradient,
between the surface water and the water at lower depths of the ocean. This

temperature gradient, called ocean temperature energy conversion (OTEC),
can be used in a heat engine to generate power. Because the water
temperature difference is small, even in the tropics, OTEC systems have very
low efficiencies (usually less than 3 percent). As a result, OTEC systems