Renewable Energy From the Deep Ocean

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) process and an ideal location in Puerto rico

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[Randall Gerber]

There must be far less costly renewable energy options - like wind generators.



[Thomas Plocek]

OTEC is base load, not intermittant. In areas where it can be applied it is very cost effective. High capital cost but low operating cost and no fuel cost.

[masoodusa]

if it is so simple then why don't they do it

[Thomas Plocek]

It is very expensive, even for a small demonstration unit and it is no longer patentable, so the firms with the money and engineering expertise would simply be opening the door to competitors. In addition, the power companies able to use the power from an initial unit are unwilling to issue a 20 year power purchase contract for an unproven technology. Such a contract would permit private financing. No one is willing to take any risk.

[kjks97463]

What is the efficiency equation for otec?

[Thomas Plocek]

The efficiency is different depending on the basis for your calculation. The traditional calculation via the Carnot cycle is very low, but is meaningless since there is no fuel cost. A more relevent calculation is based on recoverable energy versus energy consumed for pumping (and other small electrical demand). In the tropics this is around 65-70%.

[Sco Lar]

do you even get humor :/ lol

[TurtleHacker]

Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. Looks like someone skipped a little too much class...

[Johny Murgas]

Priority distortion...i tthink

[Sco Lar]

we should invade PR and build some of those things....

[Monkeyradar]

A 5.1 acre platform capable of generating 100 MW costs at least $800 million. They're building a demonstration plant in Hawaii and this is what their invoice proposal estimates for construction, testing, etc.

[aotule]

how much does this technology cost?