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Performance Evaluation Concept for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion toward Standardization and Intelligent Design

Author

Listed:
  • Takeshi Yasunaga

    (Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University, 1 Honjo-Machi, Saga 840-8502, Japan)

  • Kevin Fontaine

    (Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saga University, 1 Honjo-Machi, Saga 840-8502, Japan)

  • Yasuyuki Ikegami

    (Institute of Ocean Energy, Saga University, 1 Honjo-Machi, Saga 840-8502, Japan)

Abstract

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses a very simple process to convert the thermal energy stored mainly in tropical oceans into electricity. In designs, operations, and evaluations, we need to consider the unique characteristics of OTEC to achieve the best performance or lower the electricity cost of projects. The concept and design constraints of OTEC power generation differ from those of conventional thermal power plants due to the utilization of a low temperature difference. This research theoretically recognizes the unique characteristics of the energy conversion system and summarizes the appropriate performance evaluation methods for OTEC based on finite-time thermodynamics and the equilibrium condition of the heat source. In addition, it presents the concept of normalization of thermal efficiency for OTEC and exergy efficiency based on the available thermal energy in the ocean defined as the transferable thermal energy from the ocean and the equilibrium condition as the dead state for exergy. The differences between conventional thermal efficiency and the effectiveness of the evaluation methods are visualized using the various reference design data, and it is ascertained that there is no clear relation between the conventional thermal efficiency and exergy efficiency, whereas the normalized thermal efficiency is definitely proportional to the exergy efficiency. Moreover, the exergy efficiency shows the effectiveness of the staging Rankine, Kalina, and Uehara cycles. Therefore, the normalized thermal efficiency and the exergy efficiency are important to analyze the heat and mass balance as well as improvement of the system.

Suggested Citation

  • Takeshi Yasunaga & Kevin Fontaine & Yasuyuki Ikegami, 2021. "Performance Evaluation Concept for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion toward Standardization and Intelligent Design," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-12, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:8:p:2336-:d:539842
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen, Lingen & Sun, Fengrui & Wu, Chih, 2006. "Optimal configuration of a two-heat-reservoir heat-engine with heat-leak and finite thermal-capacity," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(2), pages 71-81, February.
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    3. Bernardoni, C. & Binotti, M. & Giostri, A., 2019. "Techno-economic analysis of closed OTEC cycles for power generation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 1018-1033.
    4. Johnson, D.H., 1983. "The exergy of the ocean thermal resource and analysis of second-law efficiencies of idealized ocean thermal energy conversion power cycles," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 8(12), pages 927-946.
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    Cited by:

    1. Albert S. Kim, 2022. "Special Issue “Selected Papers from the 8th International OTEC Symposium”," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-2, January.
    2. Pengchao Zang & Lingen Chen & Yanlin Ge, 2022. "Maximizing Efficient Power for an Irreversible Porous Medium Cycle with Nonlinear Variation of Working Fluid’s Specific Heat," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Muhammed Zafar Ali Khan & Haider Ali Khan & Muhammad Aziz, 2022. "Harvesting Energy from Ocean: Technologies and Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-43, May.

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