Closed Cycle Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)

D’Arsonval’s original concept used a working fluid with a low boiling point, such as ammonia, which is vaporized using the heat extracted from the warm surface water. The heated working fluid is used to turn a turbine to produce electricity. Cold deep-sea water is used to condense the working fluid in a second heat exchanger prior to being re-circulated to the first heat exchanger. This is known as a closed cycle system (see Figure).

Figure: Closed Cycle OTEC (Image adapted from National Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NEHLA)).

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