Ocean thermal energy conversion

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses the ocean thermal gradient between cooler deep and warmer shallow to run a heat engine to produce electricity. Up to 88,000 TW could be generated. Closed-cycle OTEC uses refrigerants like ammonia to power the system's generator. Open-cycle engines use vapor from the seawater as the working fluid.

OTEC benefits:


 * conditioning and refrigeration


 * fresh water distilled from the sea by desalinization


 * fertilizes the world's largest marine ecosystems


 * hydrogen production as a by-product


 * useful mineral extraction


 * weather and climate control

See also:

OTEC