What is OTEC
Ocean thermal energy conversion is a method in which we use the temperature difference between surface water and ocean depth water to produce energy.
due to the sunlight the water of surface of ocean is more warmer than the water in the deep of the ocean,with this method we not only produce energy but we also produce fresh water by desalination of oceanic water, there should be 20' Celsius gap for starting this process.
Types of OTEC -
- closed cycle method -In this method we use working fluid like ammonia. Ammonia is pumped into a heat exchanger, which turns ammonia into vapour, and this vapour of ammonia is used to drive turbine, after which this vapour is cooled with the help of deep sea water , and this process goes on continuously.
2. open cycle - In this method, hot surface water is brought under high pressure in a vacuum chamber, due to which the water turns into steam and this steam is used to rotate the turbine, and then this steam is cooled with the help of cold water.
OTEC sector in India -
65 kW OTEC plant coming up at Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. total capacity of India for producing ocean thermal energy is 180000 megawatt.
benefits -
1. This method of producing energy can produce clean and regular energy, which is very beneficial for a developing country like India
2. This method not only produce energy but it also produce drinking water, hydrogen and ammonia.
3. Cold water coming out of an OTEC plant can be used in air condition,fish cultivation etc.
concerns about OTEC -
1. Sea creatures get entangled in the wire due to which they die.
2. This method uses heavy machinery which produces a lot of noise and this noise creates complications for marine creatures who use SONAR for navigation.
see also -
Very useful information
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