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

Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc. proposes to develop a computer algorithm tool for designing, optimizing and assessing the economic viability of an Integrated Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion system for a tropical US Military base or civilian community withdeep seawater access. The Integrated OTEC system will provide one or more of the following: electrical power, cold water for district air-conditioning, cold water for commercial refrigeration, fresh water, and water for aquaculture. Deep ocean seawater isan attractive clean energy source that, if applied to the correct location and operated in an optimally balanced system, can provide a broad range of critical community needs. High capital costs have hindered applications of Deep Ocean Water Applications(DOWA). Advances in the areas of OTEC thermal power systems, deep ocean pipeline technology, and seawater air-conditioning provide a strong basis for realistic and practical cost assessment and system optimization. By sharing the output of the seawatersupply system over multiple applications and for the production of multiple complimentary products, the high cost of the seawater supply can be shared. Makai has a strong background in the design of deep water pipelines, seawater air conditioning systems,OTEC systems, and general ocean engineering design. The proposed software will be used to assess the feasibility of using deep ocean seawater to provide critical services to tropical US Military Bases. By capitalizing on these natural resources, energyconsumption and the associated greenhouse gas emission from these bases can be dramatically reduced. Furthermore, by having these bases pave the way toward the utilization of OTEC and DOWA, larger commercial plants will become economically viable.