Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) is an innovative power generation system that uses the slight temperature difference between surface layer ocean water and deep ocean water.
Xenesys Inc. has acquired an exclusive license for the patent on the "Uehara Cycle", a cycle developed by Saga University with higher efficiency than the conventional method, and is implementing demonstration testing using an OTEC mini model plant.
First, a mixture of ammonia and water is sent to an evaporator. There, the mixture is evaporated by the red colored surface layer ocean water, which then rotates the mixed steam turbine to generate electricity. The mixed steam is then cooled and condensed to liquid by the blue colored deep ocean water and then once again sent to the evaporator as recycled water. Through the repetition of this cycle, power can be continuously generated using only ocean water.
The Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion system of course outputs zero CO2 emissions and can provide a stable annual supply of electricity because it is not affected by weather variations as is the case with wind power and solar power generation systems.
The OTEC system demonstrates significant potential as an ultimate power supply system for the future.
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Uehara Cycle
ReplyDeleteWe used a 9kW test plant.
Working fluid; Ammonia-water mix.
Heat Exchanger; Plate type heat exchanger
Additional Equipment; Separator, Absorber, Heater, Additional Turbine
Observation:
Kalina Cycle proved theoretically superior to Rankine Cycle but it posed at the same time problems and defects. During the course of our research for solution of those problems, we have come up with our own new cycle, which is more efficient than Kalina Cycle. Our superiority to Kalina Cycle is proved theoretically. Now we have to get to experimental verification and keep studying on performance
improvement.
Advantages of Uehara Cycle over Kalina Cycle
Kalina Cycle uses the ammonia-water mix, which has an effect on efficiency of the condenser. Uehara Cycle assures theoretically higher heat efficiency than Kalina Cycle by lessening the load for condenser by means of extraction of vapor from the turbine. It should be possible now to construct an OTEC plant of more compact in size but higher in efficiency than before.