Systems Optimization for an Integrated Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Plant

The proposed effort will develop an innovative computer model utilizing the universally available Microsoft Excelr platform designed to provide optimized preliminary system design parameters and economic estimates to support future detailed designs ofintegrated multi-product OTEC systems according to site specific input parameters, physical and system constraints, and customer desired capacity and co-product requirements. The program will provide technical system design parameters, system componentsizing requirements and economic costing estimates incorporating the most recent advances in OTEC technologies while optimizing system synergies between desired co-products and power system components. The program will support optimization of anintegrated system analysis for either a Kalina CycleT or Open-Cycle OTEC system with provisions for co-product inclusion of fresh water production, seawater air conditioning, aquaculture and agriculture as required. This effort will be utilized by DoDfacility managers and OCEES' field engineers to provide preliminary technical and economic analyses and design criteria for establishing an accurate, preliminary design from which credible decisions and more detailed integrated OTEC system designs can beestablished. This product will prove invaluable in effecting the commercialization of integrated multi-product OTEC systems within the DoD and to civilian communities across the tropical regions of the globe.The U.S. Navy as well as other branches of theDoD maintain numerous bases in the tropical regions of the globe. These bases rely upon the uninterrupted flow of oil, mostly foreign, in order to carry out their mission. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) can provide some of these bases with aself-sufficient means of providing electricity, fresh water and chilled water systems for air conditioning from a clean, renewable source.The specific market needs for this technology is quite extensive. Commercial OTEC facilities must be located in anenvironment that is stable enough for efficient system operation. The natural ocean thermal gradient necessary for OTEC operation is generally found between latitudes 20¿N and 20¿S. Within this tropical zone are portions of several industrial nations(i.e. United States, Taiwan, Japan, etc.) as well as 29 territories and 66 developing nations and nearly a dozen U.S. Department of Defense operated military installations (i.e. Diego Garcia, B.I.O.T.; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; AUTEC, Bahamas; Kwajalein,etc.). Of all these possible sites, tropical islands with growing power requirements and a dependence on expensive imported oil are the most likely areas for early OTEC development. Most of these military installations, developing countries andterritories have significant needs for reliable, sanitary potable water and/or food sources, afforded through cold water agriculture and/or aquaculture application, adding to the social and political desirability of an integrated OTEC system.