SYSTEM ASPECT OF OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION

Solar energy conversion using an ocean-driven heat engine occupies a special place on the systems engineering horizon. In addition to the concept's proven technical feasibility, conditions in the field of OTEC research are such that systems innovations can be readily and profitably implemented. A team led by TRW Systems Group has synthesized a baseline design for an ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) plant of 100-MWe output, with initial cost of $2100/KW delivered at the busbar, a cost that could be reduced considerably through the application of new technology and proposed refinements in baseline subsystems. It has been projected that a per-kilowatt cost of $1100 for a functioning OTEC plant could be realized within the next two decades if a vigorous research and development program is carried out.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

  1290 Avenue of the Americas
  New York, NY  United States  10019
• Authors:
  • Douglass Jr, R H
  • Bakstad, P J
• Publication Date: 1978-1

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 18-23
• Serial:
  • Journal of Hydronautics
  • Volume: 12
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Economic analysis; Energy conversion; Oceans; Thermal efficiency; Thermal power generation
• Subject Areas: Economics; Energy; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00172108
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Journal of Hydronautics
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Mar 29 1978 12:00AM