Creating Energy From the Sea

Creating a clean future with ocean thermal energy conversion

Tidal power is one way that we can generate electricity from the water of the oceans and is just one of the alternative energies that the major companies are seeking to use to replace fossil fuels and nuclear power. This energy source is also called thermal energy conversion.

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) was actually invented in 1881 and is still being studied today. It is still a very expensive process unfortunately, however, once it becomes cost effective, it will possibly become a viable way of producing much of the world’s energy, potentially producing billions of watts of electricity. There are already many plants for converting this energy on the shores and in the ocean or on the ocean shelves (which are not far from the land).

Thermal energy conversion relies on the difference in temperature between deep and shallow water to drive a power producing cycle. The basis of the idea is to use a large water intake pipe to pull very cold ocean water from a mile or more below the surface to the top of the ocean. Warm surface water is used to make a liquid with a low boiling point turn into steam, which expands to turn a generator. Then, the cold seawater is pumped through, turning the vapor back into liquid so the process can happen all over again. As the water is then returned to the sea, you will notice that it is environmentally friendly and that the process itself is quite simple.

By placing the warm seawater into a low-pressurized container, it will begin to boil and then create a form of energy. This is known as the open-cycle system. As with the aforementioned procedure, it is easy and neutral for the environment. However, since the 1980’s the process has been studied and improved and the recent studies have proven that it can be over 95% efficient.

Obviously close proximity to the ocean would be necessary for ocean thermal energy conversion to be viable. Island communities that have to import their energy supplies are ideal candidates for this technology.

OTEC can also support many other spin off industries such as water desalination, aquaculture and chill-soil agriculture which support the growing of temperate crops in tropical climates.

It may soon be possible to turn to sources other than the fossil fuels to have infinite energy opportunities. Ocean thermal energy conversion holds out hope for obtaining electricity way into the future without further damaging the planet.