Open AccessAnalysis of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Power Plant using Isobutane as the Working Fluid
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of thermal and environmental engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1923-7316
DOI - 10.5383/ijtee.07.01.004
Subject(s) - ocean thermal energy conversion , isobutane , environmental science , heat exchanger , thermal energy , working fluid , superheating , thermal efficiency , deep ocean water , process engineering , nuclear engineering , thermodynamics , chemistry , engineering , seawater , geology , physics , oceanography , biochemistry , organic chemistry , combustion , catalysis
The use of organic isobutane will be investigated for a closed-cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) onshore plant that delivers 110 MW electric powers. This paper will cover concept, process, energy calculations, cost factoids and environmental aspects. In isobutane cycle, hot ocean surface water is used to vaporize and to superheat isobutane in a heat exchanger. Isobutane vapor then expands through a turbine to generate useful power. The exhaust vapor is condensed afterwards, using the cold deeper ocean water, and pumped to a heat exchanger to complete a cycle. Results show the major design characteristics and equipment's of the OTEC plant along with cycle efficiency and cycle improvement techniques.