C A RT E R D E N N Y

OCEAN TEMPERATURE GRADIENTS

Ocean Temp Gradient also know as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion(OTEC) is process that involves using warm surface water to vaporize ammonia and the vaporized ammonia(the working fluid) spins a turbine which generates electricity. The cold water that comes from deeper parts of the ocean cools down the ammonia to a liquid state to repeat the process again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMy-PjPFsCQ

HOW IT WORKS

• Turbine• Working fluid• Warm and cold

ocean water• a water pump• Condenser and

Boiler

WORKING PARTS

The efficiency of OTEC electricity ranges from 3%-8% depending of the temperature difference in the warm and cold water.

EFFICIENCY

Most OTEC power plants are found near oceans or in the ocean in tropical regions like Hawaii, the Bahamas, Hainan, and the Virgin Islands.

WHERE IT IS LIKELY TO BE FOUND.

There are very little risks involved with OTEC.

One risk could be that the working fluid(ammonia) which is a CFC could leak and pollute the air.

OTEC is a very low risk source of energy.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Advantages

• Cleaner, no air pollution• Decreases reliance on

foreign oil• Reduces CO2

emissions• Has the potential to

meet all the world’s energy needs

Disadvantages

• More expensive than power from fossil fuels

• Must be in an area where surface water is warm enough to vaporize the working fluid

• Pipes could damage coral reefs

• Less efficient than coal