Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

It is no secret that cities use up a large bulk of the energy budget. Thus sourcing for more renewable and reliable sources of energy is always important.

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (abbreviated OTEC), interestingly generates energy through the temperature difference between surface and deep sea waters (1).

(2)

The idea is very similar to coal-fired power plants, where heat is used to excite a fluid, in this case it is ammonia (1), and the excited fluid moves and turns a turbine that produces energy. I have a few personal thoughts on this, and by any means I may be wrong.

It is definitely a very interesting idea. Although it is stated that hot & cold waters are respectively drawn out from the shallow and deep waters, and consequently the mixed, thermally averaged water is released back, the energy used to turn the turbines have to come from somewhere. Therefore the ocean ‘system’ actually loses energy as a whole. As there is a net loss of energy from the ocean to turn the turbines, I wonder whether, on a large scale, it is viable to possibly also conveniently mitigate the onset of rising sea temperatures & its subsequent ramifications on wildlife and habitat?

However I also question its effectiveness to produce energy. Comparing it to current coal plants, where coals is fired to produce steam, the temperature of coal can go up to almost 2000°C (3). The maximum difference in temperature between the coldest and warmest waters would be merely ~20°C. How effective will this technology be in displacing conventional fossil fuels?

In a city like Singapore, if this technology would be proven effective, I would think that this would be pretty viable for us, as we are situated right smack in the tropics, possibly having one of the highest surface sea temperatures.

So many ideas, yet so unattainable.

 

References

  1. What is OTEC –. OTEC news. Retrieved 28 October 2016, from http://www.otecnews.org/what-is-otec/
  2. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion | Makai Ocean Engineering. Makai.com. Retrieved 28 October 2016, from http://www.makai.com/ocean-thermal-energy-conversion/
  3. Coal and Charcoal. Anvilfire.com. Retrieved 30 October 2016, from http://www.anvilfire.com/FAQs/coal.php

35 thoughts on “Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion

  1. Hi Mak, this seems like such an interesting idea, especially in the context of Singapore! Do you think there is any potential for this idea to improve to be more efficient at generating electricity to the point where it becomes economically and electrically viable? This is only possible if money is invested into more research and development of this idea. If so, should Singapore play a part in investing in this idea, potentially expediting its improvement? Or should it wait for other investors to make this idea viable first, before employing this technology here?

    1. I feel, as we heard from Prof Peter Ng, Singapore almost never takes the lead in anything, i paraphrase. Singapore does not have much of a buffer or fall back option if our economy suffers, thus from a perspective of a Singaporean I would too discourage Singapore testing the waters with both feet. However as someone who knows the consequences of unsustainable energy use, of course I would prefer if more investments were to be made in these areas. Always a conundrum.
      As for the first part of your question, I do not know the specificities, and am unable to give you a satisfactory answer. However I believe that there is never too many green solutions to anything, and hopefully it does become viable and widespread some day.

  2. By blending educational concepts with fast-paced gameplay, it creates a unique experience that stimulates the mind while providing thrilling Geometry Dash entertainment. Whether you’re a student seeking a fun way to reinforce math skills or a gamer looking for a new challenge, Geometry Arrow delivers a satisfying fusion of intellect and action.

  3. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a fascinating renewable energy technology that generates electricity by harnessing the temperature difference between warm surface seawater and cold deep seawater. As highlighted in the discussion, OTEC works in a way similar to coal-fired power plants, but instead of burning fossil fuels, it uses the ocean’s natural heat gradient to turn a turbine via an excited working fluid like ammonia. While the temperature difference in the ocean is much smaller than that in traditional coal plants, this method offers a sustainable alternative, especially for tropical cities like Singapore with consistently high sea surface temperatures. For those interested in visualizing complex energy systems or planning sustainability projects, tools like Flowchart AI can help map out OTEC processes and other renewable energy workflows efficiently.

  4. The concept of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is indeed fascinating. baseball online game reminds me of the energy needed to power these systems. I wonder about the long-term environmental impacts and the true efficiency compared to other renewable sources.

  5. Right, ammonia-powered ocean turbines, sounds like something out of a Jules Verne novel. But wouldn’t extracting all that energy eventually cool the ocean too much, impacting ecosystems? Interesting concept though. Maybe it’s a long shot, but could it become a method to fight rising sea temps? I once was utterly consumed by Slither io, so much so I almost failed a thermodynamics exam. Similar problem; focusing on one cool aspect while neglecting the bigger picture.

  6. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a fascinating approach to renewable energy, utilizing the temperature difference between surface and deep sea waters to generate power. The process involves drawing hot and cold water from different ocean depths, using ammonia as a working fluid to turn turbines and produce electricity. While the temperature difference is much smaller compared to coal-fired plants, the potential for cities like Singapore, with high surface sea temperatures, makes OTEC an intriguing solution for sustainable energy. For those interested in innovative technology, you can explore more at voice clone.

  7. This article about Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion is really interesting! I was just reading about different energy sources and found baseball bros unblocked, talk about a different kind of energy, haha! Seriously though, the point about the temperature difference needed for OTEC is a good one. How efficient can it really be?

  8. How fascinating to see creative energy solutions being explored for urban needs. Slice Master over here once faced a similar confusion about energy efficiency while working on a group project about renewable sources. We debated if such a small temperature difference could meaningfully power a city. It really opened my eyes to both the challenges and potential of ocean energy innovations, even if the tech still has some kinks to iron out.

  9. OTEC presents an intriguing renewable energy solution, though like in Mage Arena where strategic resource management is crucial, the efficiency challenges and environmental trade-offs require careful consideration before large-scale implementation.

  10. OTEC represents a fascinating approach to renewable energy, though like a life countdown where every moment counts, the limited temperature differential and efficiency challenges require careful evaluation before we can determine its true potential for sustainable power generation.

  11. Fascinating overview of OTEC! The potential is huge, but the cost and scaling challenges mentioned are definitely the bottlenecks. I recently used ChatGPT at https://gptonline.ai/ to explore some of the more advanced closed-cycle system designs, it gave a really detailed breakdown. Good read!

  12. Star Copy And Paste
    Free star symbols collection! Copy and paste Unicode star symbols instantly. Star text generator and aesthetic text tools for social media. ★☆
    Browse complete star symbols collection. Classic stars, decorative stars, and Unicode characters. One-click copy to clipboard.

  13. Merge Rot
    Merge Rot is more than just a puzzle game—it’s a physics-based merge experience full of absurd humor, clever strategy, and meme-fueled madness. In Merge Rot, you drop items into a cup. When two identical items touch, they merge into a more evolved version. Each Merge Rot evolution is wackier than the last, making gameplay hilarious, unpredictable, and highly addictive.

  14. wplace tool
    Unleash your full creative potential in Wplace. Our converter not only provides a perfect pixel grid with auto-matched colors but also allows custom color swaps for total artistic control. Create pixel-perfect designs, your way. And it’s just the beginning—more tools are coming soon!

  15. spend bill gates money
    Ever wondered what you’d do with Bill Gates’ money? Now you can find out. We’ll give you his $130 billion fortune to spend on anything you desire. Buy a fleet of supercars, a private island, or donate it all to a good cause. Your billionaire journey starts here!

  16. throw a potato
    Forget logic. Forget reason. Embrace the madness! In this game, the only way forward is to throw a potato… and then another… and another. Experience an endless, chaotic loop of pure, spud-flinging insanity. You have been warned.

  17. easter egg vault
    Find hidden references, callbacks, and easter eggs across your favorite television series. From classic sitcoms to epic dramas, uncover the secrets that make every episode unforgettable.
    The ultimate guide to easter eggs, hidden details, and secrets in video games, movies, and TV shows.

  18. Bomb it
    Play Bomb It, the ultimate online multiplayer bomber game! Strategize, blast, and dominate arenas. Join millions on bombitonline.org for endless explosive fun!Bomb It 1 is an exciting online game where you strategically place bombs to blow up opponents in an arena. It’s an action-packed game perfect for quick and fun gaming sessions!Yes! All Bomb It games available on Kizi are completely free to play, allowing you to enjoy hours of explosive fun without any cost.

  19. Pips game
    Pips Game isn’t just another puzzle; it’s an unlimited, free online brain-teaser inspired by the New York Times, designed to captivate and challenge players of all skill levels.This game is a solid time-killer for my commute! Easy to pick up and play a quick round. My only wish is for a ‘save and quit’ feature mid-puzzle, sometimes I gotta hop off the bus real quick.

  20. Bloodmoney
    Ever wondered how far you’d go for survival? BLOODMONEY! challenges you to earn $25,000 in a darkly twisted clicker game where every decision ramps up tension and leads to shocking, unforgettable endings.BLOODMONEY! is surprisingly deep for a clicker. The moral choices actually keep you thinking, and the different endings are a nice touch. Only wish there was a leaderboard to see who’s the most ruthless!

  21. Sort The Court
    Rule your entire kingdom with just two words: “Yes” or “No.” A charmingly simple and addictive game of royal judgment.Think you can be a good ruler? Juggle your treasury, population, and happiness one bizarre request at a time.Will you hire a skeleton for your army or fund a wizard’s quest to turn everyone into frogs? Hilarious and unpredictable choices await.Deceptively simple, surprisingly strategic. It’s the perfect game for a 10-minute break that accidentally turns into an hour.

  22. The freak circus
    The freak circus
    A Psychological Horror Visual Novel Step into a world where reality bends and nightmares come alive. The Freak Circus is an immersive psychological horror visual novel that will challenge your perception of truth and fiction.

  23. No i’m not a human
    No i’m not a human
    Master the Ultimate No I’m not a Human Strategy Guide
    We provide the most comprehensive No I’m not a Human guides, detailed system requirement analysis, secure download channels, and professional gaming tutorials. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran player seeking to collect all endings, you’ll find everything you need here.

  24. The struggle to replace traditional sources is ongoing, yet emerging technologies like utilizing ocean heat present fascinating possibilities. I once faced a similar dilemma during a group project regarding renewable energy solutions. Some believed in solar while others were partial to wind; each side effectively embodied the Level Devil of competition and skepticism. Ultimately, we learned the value of combining approaches for a balanced solution.

  25. Mark, your insights on OTEC raise some intriguing points! While it’s fascinating to think about harnessing ocean temperatures for energy, you’re right to question its overall efficiency compared to traditional methods. It’ll be interesting to see how this technology develops, especially as we seek to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Speaking of innovative ideas in energy, have you ever tried random chats on platforms like Omegle? You might find some interesting discussions on related topics!

  26. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is an innovative approach to generating energy by utilizing the temperature difference between surface and deep sea waters. The process is similar to coal-fired power plants, but instead of burning coal at extremely high temperatures, OTEC uses the much smaller temperature gradient found in the ocean—typically around 20°C. This difference is used to excite a fluid, such as ammonia, which then drives a turbine to produce energy.

    While the technology is intriguing, questions remain about its overall effectiveness, especially compared to traditional fossil fuels. For instance, coal reaches temperatures of up to 2000°C, whereas the ocean’s temperature difference is far less. However, in tropical cities like Singapore, where surface sea temperatures are high, OTEC could present a viable solution for renewable energy.

    If you’re interested in exploring innovative ideas and engaging activities, check out ice breaker games for creative ways to spark conversation and learning.

  27. This OTEC tech sounds pretty wild, using temperature differences to make power. I wonder if it could really make a dent compared to fossil fuels, given the small temp difference. It makes you think about other ways to check our impact too. Have you guys seen that wellness checker? It’s a neat way to see where you’re at with things.

  28. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) captures energy from the temperature gradient between warm surface waters and deep, colder waters, using a working fluid like ammonia to drive a turbine—conceptually similar to coal plants, but with a much smaller delta (often ~20°C compared to coal’s ~2000°C combustion temperatures). That modest gradient raises fair questions about large‑scale viability and displacement of fossil fuels, yet OTEC’s reliability in tropical regions—such as Singapore’s consistently warm seas—makes it an intriguing baseload complement to intermittent renewables. Beyond generation, discussions often explore system‑level effects, like whether extracting heat could marginally mitigate rising sea temperatures and impacts on marine habitats. In evaluating new energy tech and its communications, accurate content verification matters; for that, a natural language detector de IA can help assess authenticity and humanize AI‑assisted analyses without turning the spotlight away from the science itself.

  29. Simply wish to say your article is as amazing The clearness in your post is just nice and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying workaSimply wish to say your article is as amazing The clearness in your post is just nice and i could assume youre an expert on this subject Well with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post Thanks a million and please carry on the gratifying work Pokepath td

  30. BeatViz AI: The ultimate, all-in-one AI Music Video Generator. Turn your ideas into full tracks and professional-grade music videos instantly. Create high-quality, synchronized music and visuals from simple text prompts, no complex skills or expensive studio equipment needed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *