MODEL TESTS OF A BASELINE 40 MW OTEC PILOT PLANT

A baseline design was developed for an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) pilot plant. The plant was configured as a floating platform for large-scale, at-sea, practical demonstrations of OTEC system operation. This study reports on model tests that were conducted at 1/30 scale in a model basin in order to develop confidence in the seakeeping and survivability qualities of the design. Waves were produced to simulate a variety of ocean conditions, including a 100-year storm sea with hurricane waves to a maximum height of 65 feet. The platform survived all simulated conditions, although it was observed that bilge keels, a shaped bow and additional hull length would improve seakeeping in hurricane seas. Quantitative data were obtained on ship motions, cold-water- pipe loads and motions, mooring forces, and seawater system pressures.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Report; Vol.A-Narrative Report; Vol.B-Test Data
• Corporate Authors:

  Johns Hopkins University, Laurel

  Applied Physics Laboratory, 11100 Johns Hopkins Road
  Laurel, MD  United States  20723-6099
• Authors:
  • George, J F
  • Stadter, J T
  • Donnelly, H L
• Publication Date: 1981-1

Media Info

• Features: References;

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Energy conversion; Oceans; Thermal power generation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Model tests
• Old TRIS Terms: Floating plant facilities
• Subject Areas: Energy; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00656945
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Maritime Technical Information Facility
• Report/Paper Numbers: JHU/APL-SR-81-1A
• Contract Numbers: N00024-81-C-5301
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 21 1994 12:00AM