Modeling, Designing and Fabrication of a Mini-Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant for Power Generation

Abstract

This study focus on the modeling, designing and fabrication of a mini closed-cycle ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power plant for electrical power generation and it has been conducted. The Mini OTEC Plant was fabricated utilizing the designed models. The objective is to synergistically harness both ocean thermal energy and concentrated solar thermal energy as complementary heat sources to elevate the temperature of the surface seawater that is going to the heat exchanger. The plant is ready for experimentation testing of the performance parameters of the OTEC. It is recommended that before the experimentation, the water at the condenser should be below 100C in order to have the required operational differential temperature and this is achievable by using ice blocks.