2013 IEEE Conference on Clean Energy and Technology (CEAT)

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion: The Promise of a

Clean Future
A. Hossain1, A. Azhim1,2, A. B. Jaafar2,3, M. N. Musa2 ,
S. A. Zaki1,2 & D. Noor Fazreen1,4
1
Malaysia Japan International Institute of Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
2
Ocean Thermal Energy Center, UTM
3
Perdana School of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, UTM
4
Faculty of Sciences and Biotechnology, Universiti Selangor, UNISEL

Abstracts Due to the world¶V heavy dependence on fossil

fuels for electricity, pollution and global warming is on the rise.
However, numerous countries are still relying on diesel
generators as their main source of energy. There is a lack of
practical alternative energy source that can meet the global
energy demand without posing any threat to the natural
environment. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is a
concept that has the potential to address this growing issue. It is
basically a mechanism that exploits the temperature difference
between warm surface seawater and cold deep ocean water, to
produce electricity. Although OTEC has a low energy density, the
thermal energy in the ocean is vastly abundant. OTEC
development has been dormant for a long time since it was first
proposed in 1881. However, it has now regained recognition
worldwide as a realistic solution to our world energy issue.
Instead of having a great potential for power generation, it also
carries the ability to produce high value products from the large
volume of Deep Sea Water (DSW) that can be released as by-
products of OTEC plant operation. These products can hold a
very profitable place in industries such as pharmaceutical, food, Fig. 1. Global Primary Source of Energy in Perspectives
cosmetics and mineral water production. Further research on
ocean current and DSW properties can someday lead to the Furthermore, OTEC makes it possible not only to produce
commercial used of OTEC. This paper is a review of the basic electricity but allows the release of massive amount of Deep
concept, present status and future prospects of OTEC around the Sea Water (DSW) which is rich in minerals and is highly
world. applicable in several industries including pharmaceuticals,
aquaculture (mariculture), cosmetics and mineral water
Keywords ² Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion; Renewable
production.
Energy; Clean Energy; Deep Sea Water
II. HOW OTEC WORKS
I. INTRODUCTION Sunlight can be absorbed by the surface ocean water and can
Considering the growing world population and only penetrate up to 100 meters water depth. The sunlight cannot
environmental problems, it is obvious that in this 21st century reach the deep sea water level. Fig. 2 illustrates the temperature
the conventional resources of energy such as oil, coal and profile along the cross section in the Pacific [4]. The water in
uranium become unreliable. The obvious alternative energy the lower half of all oceans is uniformly cold and OTEC plants
sources such as wind, solar and geothermal power are take advantage of this feature. Typically, a depth of 600 to
considerable solutions to this problem. However in 1000 meters is used to generate electricity by an OTEC plant.
comparison to all these alternatives, ocean thermal energy is The principle of a basic OTEC plant is shown in Fig. 3.
highly abundant, very stable and easily applicable in many The main components are evaporator, condenser, turbine,
industrial fields. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power generator and pump. These components are connected
is a marine renewable energy technology utilizing the via pipes that contain working fluids, typically ammonia [3].
temperature difference between deep cold ocean water and The liquid working fluid is sent to the evaporator with a pump
warm ocean surface water and generates electricity. Fig. 1 which is heated by the hot surface water of 25 to 30°C, and
illustrates the global primary sources of energy in evaporated to vapour. The vapour then turns the turbine and
perspectives [1]. It is clear from Fig. 1, OTEC alone can activates the power generator, thereby generating electricity.
meet the world energy demand, as observed from the world The used vapour leaving the turbine is then condensed to liquid
energy used in the year 2010. by the cold deep seawater of 4 to 10°C inside the condenser,
According to L.A. Vega (2003), the amount of solar and then recycled back into the evaporator. The process is thus
energy absorbed by the oceans in a year is equivalent to at repeated in order to maintain continuous electricity production.
least 4000 times the amount currently consumed on earth. For This is basically how a typical closed-cycle OTEC system
an OTEC efficiency of 3%, in converting ocean thermal works.
energy to electricity, we would need less than 1% of this
renewable 978-1-4799-3238-2/13/$31.00
energy to satisfy the world demand [2].
©2013 IEEE 23
 2013 IEEE Conference on Clean Energy and Technology (CEAT)
[Source: Sakaguchi A., et. al., 2012]
Fig. 2. Temperature profile of ocean water
[Source: Ikegami, et. al., 2010]
Fig.3. A basic OTEC system
In an open-cycle OTEC system, the warm seawater is used
as the working fluid. The warm seawater is ³flash´ evaporated
in a vacuum chamber and steam is produced. The steam
expands through a low-pressure turbine that is coupled to a
generator to produce electricity. The steam leaving the turbine
is then condensed by cold deep seawater through a cold water
pipe. If a surface condenser is used in the system, the
condensed steam remains separated from the cold seawater
and provides a supply of desalinated water. A schematic
diagram [5] of the cycle is shown in Fig. 4.
A hybrid-cycle OTEC system combines the features of both
the closed-cycle and open-cycle systems. In this system, warm
seawater enters a vacuum chamber where it is evaporated into
steam, which is similar to the open-cycle evaporation process.
The steam vaporizes the working fluid of a closed-cycle loop
on the other side of an ammonia vaporizer. The vaporized fluid
then drives a turbine to generate electricity. The steam
condenses within the heat exchanger and provides desalinated
water.
978-1-4799-3238-2/13/$31.00 ©2013 IEEE
[Source: Ghosh, et. al., 2011]
Fig. 4. A schematic diagram of an open-cycle OTEC system
III. HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS OF OTEC
The concept of OTEC for electricity generation was
invented by a French physicist Mr. Jaques D¶Arsoval in 1881.
Studies on OTEC application has been conducted in100 years.
In the past, the application of OTEC was said to be impractical
as it only can generates small amount of electricity but the
improvement in the technologies, all experts now considered
that to be untrue [6]. Table 1 summarizes the development of
OTEC over the years in different parts of the world.
A. The Study in Saga University, Japan
OTEC study in Japan began in 1974 with the Sunshine
Project by the Japanese government [7]. The primary aim of
this project was to study and establish an OTEC system by
investigating methods to increase the efficiency of OTEC
plant. In 1977, Saga University successfully constructed 1 kW
OTEC plant. In 1980, a 50 kW offshore OTEC plant was
established where many experiments were performed. The
following year, Tokyo Electric Co. successfully experimented
with an OTEC system in the Republic of Nauru, producing up
to 120 kW of electricity [7].
In 1981, a new method for utilising the temperature
differences in the ocean to produce power was proposed and
known as Kalina cycle.[15]. Up until then, the primary focus of
study had been on the well- known Rankine cycle. The Kalina
cycle was able to use a mixture of ammonia and water to
operate, which gave it an advantage over the Rankine cycle
that requires a pure substance (such as ammonia) [8]. In 1982,
Kyushu Electric Co. also of Japan succeeded in constructing a
50 kW OTEC plant. This plant was based on a closed loop
cycle that utilizes the waste heat from a diesel generator. Later
in 1994, Uehara and his colleague developed a new system
using shell- and-plate type evaporator and condenser. This was
later known to be the Uehara cycle and experiments which this
cycle has shown high efficiency [9].
B. Experimental Study in India
In 1993, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
was formed by the Department of Ocean Development (DOD).
In early 1977, a 1 MW gross OTEC plant was established by
NIOT in Chennai, which was the first ever MW range plant
established anywhere in the world. NIOT has been exploring
the participation of national and international expertise for a
joint research and development since then. This OTEC plant
was mainly used for desalination project for fresh water.
24
 2013 IEEE Conference on Clean Energy and Technology (CEAT)

TABLE I. OTEC THROUGH THE YEARS

Year Activity
1881 D'Arsonval (France) conceived of OTEC
1926 Claude (France) began research for commercial use
1933 Claude built power generating ship (1200KW)
1964 Anderson's proposal for a power generation in the sea
1970 OTEC research results examined by the board of
investigation into new power generation methods (Japan)
Saga University, Japan, commenced research study on
1973
OTEC technology-power generation
OTEC research commenced as part of Sunshine project
1974
plan (Japan)
1974 ERDA project (USA) commenced

1974 First international OTEC conference (USA) [Source: Vega, 2010]

Fig. 5. OTEC Potential in the Tropics and Subtropics
1977 Saga University succeeded with 1kw of power
1979 Mini-OTEC (USA) succeeded with 50KW of power
B. Potential for OTEC Energy
Saga University performed experiments on the sea, off It is important to calculate how much energy can be
1980
Shimane in Japan Sea exploited through OTEC, but at present no firm estimate can be
1981
Tokyo Electric Power Co., succeeded with 120KW of given. In 2010, Vega listed 99 main lands and islands which
power on Nauru have OTEC potential within 200 nautical miles from the coast.
Kyushu Electric Power Co. succeeded with 50KW of
1982
power at Tokunoshima, off Kagoshima, Japan Among these locations, 38 are within the Americas, 23 within
1985 Saga University completed 75KW of power plant
Africa and 38 within the Indian/Pacific Ocean.

1988 Inauguration of Organization of OTEC Study (Japan)

Agency of Science and Technology (Japan) began study
1989 of utilization of Deep Sea Water (DSW) off Toyama in
Japan Sea
IOA (international OTEC Association) was organized by
1990
Taiwan, USA and Japan)
1993 210KW open cycle system completed in Hawaii
1994 Saga University constructed a new cycle plant
1995
Saga University started on testing new 4.5KW cycle plant
(Kalina cycle, Uehara cycle)
Signing of collaboration memorandum with National
1997 Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), India, on OTEC
study
2003
Saga University Completed 30KW multipurpose OTEC
Plant in Imari, Saga, Japan
OPOTEC (Organization for the Promotion of the Ocean
2005
Thermal Energy Conversion) established in Saga, Japan
A 1.25 MW OTEC power plant was built in Japan¶s
2013 Kumejima Island, which supplies 10% of the island¶s
total electricity consumption
[Source: adapted from Noda, et. al., 2002]
C. Other Regions
Other than Japan and India, new projects in the USA, Taiwan,
South Pacific Islands and Cuba are currently in advance. In the
USA, after the experimental tests of 200 kW open cycle
system, together with low cost of crude oil, the study of OTEC
has been inactive for nearly 15 years. However in 2008,
Lockheed Martin established a 10,000 kW OTEC in Hawaii.
IV. FUTURE PROSPECTS
A. Site Selection Criteria for OTEC Plant
The most important physical criterion for OTEC site
selection is the accessibility of deep cold seawater [10]. For
an OTEC plant to generate a significant amount of
power, the temperature difference between the surface and
deep ocean water must be at least 20°C. Therefore a suitable
site for OTEC plant operation must have an ocean depth of at
least 700 meters or more. Fig. 5 is a graphical
representation of the distribution of the temperature difference
between surface seawater and the ocean floor around the globe
[11]. The 978-1-4799-3238-2/13/$31.00
darker areas within the©2013 ocean
IEEE represent a
bigger temperature difference than others.
C. Multi-Industrial application of DSW
Aside from supplying electricity, OTEC is also capable of
extracting very large volumes of DSW for its operation. DSW is
referred to ocean water from a depth of 200 meters or below sea
level and accounts for 95% of all seawater. It has cold
temperature, is abundant in minerals and is pathogen free and
stable. DSW circulated the world in duration of 2000 years, and
the upwelling of DSW occurs regularly in the oceans and
seas throughout the world [12]. It has a lucrative market for
many industries and below is an explanation of some of its
applications.
1) Air conditioning
After the utilization of DSW in the OTEC plant, the
temperature of the water is still low and cold. Therefore it can be
used as chilling source for air conditioning or in nearby
greenhouses. Such air conditioning system provides a better
energy saver properties compared to the ordinary electrical
refrigeration methods.
2) Mineral Water Production
The mineral concentration in DSW is high and is known to
possess many medicinal properties. Recent research has also
shown anti- obesity and anti-diabetic effects of DSW in
mice [13]. Therefore it is possible to produce high quality
mineral water as a by-product of the OTEC plant.
3) Aquaculture
Due to its nutritional value, DSW can be used effectively for
aquaculture to increase the growth rate of the culture and
decrease the disease outbreak.
4) Lithium Extraction
One very common method of industrial lithium production is the
extraction of lithium-chloride from seawater. Since DSW is
much purer and cleaner than surface seawater, it can be
economically more suitable for lithium extraction by reducing
cleaning intervals.
5) Food, Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals
The nutritional properties of DSW also make it a valuable source
for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. In Japan,
DSW is used in the production RI µ6DNH¶ µ7RIX¶ etc. Some
cosmetic products based on DSW has also reached the Japanese
25 market and gained tremendous public favour [14].
 2013 IEEE Conference on Clean Energy and Technology (CEAT)

V. CHALLENGES
[5] Ghosh, T. & Prelas, M. Energy resources and systems: volume
The main challenge of developing a commercial-scale land- 2:Renewable resources (2011) p. 312-318
based OTEC plant is the capital cost. Studies show that OTEC [6] Takahashi, M. M. Deep ocean water as our next natural resource.
plants smaller than 50 MW cannot compete economically with Tokyo: Terra Scientific Publishing Company, Japan (2003)
other present energy alternatives [15]. Although the initial [7] Finney, K. A. Ocean thermal energyconversion, Guelph Engineering
Journal, 1: p. 17-23
construction cost of OTEC plant can be a big challenge, the [8] Hiroyuki, A., Yasunaga, T. & Ikegami, Y. Comparison between Kalina
profit generated from the additional products that OTEC plants Cycle and Conventional OTEC System. (2007) Proceedings of the
can produce, can more than make up for this cost. The Sixteenth International Offshore and Polar Engineering Conference
expected output of the main by-products of OTEC is shown in [9] Noda, N., Ikegami, Y., Uehara, H. Extraction condition of OTEC using
Table II [14]. the uehara cycle (2002) p. 631-634
[10] Vega, L. A. Ocean thermal energy conversion: State of the Art. The
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) (1992) p. 152-181
TABLE II. EXPECTED OUTPUT OF BY-PRODUCTS
[11] Vega, L. A Economics of ocean thermal energy conversion: an update.
Gross Power Output (MW) 1 10 Offshore Technology Conference (2010)
Net Power Output (MW) 0.7 7.5 [12] Nakasone, T & Akeda, S. The application of deep sea water in Japan.
UJNR Technical Report No. 28. p. 69-75
Net Electricity (MWh/year) 4,900 52,500 [13] Hwang, H. S., Kim H. A., Lee, S. H. & Yee, J. W. Anti-obesity and
antidiabetic effects of deep sea water on ob/ob mice. Mar Biotechnol
Up-welling DSW (t/h) 4,700 43,300
(2009) 11: p. 531-539
Fresh Water (t/h) 1,100 10,000 [14] Kobayashi, H. Jitsuhara, S and Uehara, H. The present status and
3
features of OTEC and recent aspects of thermal energy conversion
Hydrogen (Nm /h) 2,000 22,000 technologies (2004) p. 1-8
Lithium Chloride (kg/day) 30 260 [15] Kalina, A., Generation of electricity by means of a working fluid, and
regeneration of working fluid. US Patent no. 4,346,561. Aug 31 st, (1982)
Mineral Water (bottle/day) 16,000 150,000

VI. CONCLUSION
OTEC not only has the potential to satisfy the global demand
for energy but can one day become a power solution to three
other greatest global issues of clean energy, fresh water as well
as food. It holds the promise of fuelling our future.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This research is funded partly by UTM Research University
Grant (GUP), QJ130000.2424.00G62

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[3] Ikegami, Y. Activity and future prospect status of ocean thermal energy
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