Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Rajagopalan, Krishnakumar
• Nihous, Gérard C.

Titel

Estimates of global Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) resources using an ocean general circulation model

Ist Teil von

• Renewable energy, 2013-02, Vol.50, p.532-540

Ort / Verlag

Oxford: Elsevier Ltd

Erscheinungsjahr

2013

Quelle

Alma/SFX Local Collection

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Global Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) resources are assessed for the first time with an ocean general circulation model (OGCM). Large-scale OTEC operations are represented with fluid sources and sinks of prescribed strength in global (4° × 4°) MITgcm simulations. Preliminary steady-state (time-asymptotic) results show similarities, but also significant differences with earlier one-dimensional (1-D) studies. It is confirmed that global OTEC resources are likely limited by OTEC flow effects on the stability of the vertical oceanic thermal structure. Such a limit is several times greater in a full three-dimensional context, however, with an estimated maximum annual OTEC net power production of about 30 TW. The significant OTEC flow rates corresponding to maximum net power output would result in a strong boost of the oceanic thermohaline circulation (THC). In contrast to simple 1-D analyses, the present simulations of large-scale OTEC operations also show a persistent cooling of the tropical oceanic mixed-layer. This would be balanced by a warming trend in the higher latitudes, which may practically limit OTEC deployment to smaller flow rates than at maximum net power output. An annual OTEC net power production of about 7 TW, for example, could be achieved with little effect on the oceanic temperature field. ► OTEC resources assessed for the first time with an ocean general circulation model. ► OTEC resources are limited by the stability of the oceanic thermal stratification. ► A maximum OTEC net power production of about 30 TW was estimated. ► With large OTEC operations, cooling of the tropical oceanic mixed-layer persists. ► At maximum OTEC power output, the Atlantic THC doubles from 15 Sv.