At HydrOTEC, we are committed to advancing Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) technology—an innovative and sustainable energy solution that harnesses the natural temperature difference between surface and deep seawater to generate electricity. In 2024, our team had the honor of presenting our latest research at several leading global conferences. These events provided a platform for us to share new insights, discuss challenges, and contribute to the future of renewable energy. Below, we highlight the key presentations from these conferences.
ICTAM 2024: International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
Location: Daegu, Korea
Dates: August 25-30, 2024
Presenter: Lazaros Aresti
Presentation Title: Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) Systems: Losses Due to Heat Transfer in Cold Water Pipes
Abstract:
OTEC systems leverage the natural temperature gradient between surface seawater and deep seawater to generate electricity. However, this temperature difference (ΔT) varies depending on geographical location, ocean depth, and distance from the coastline. In some cases, the optimal ΔT is located far from shore, making heat transfer losses in the cold-water pipe (CWP) an important factor to consider. Lazaros Aresti’s study explored how these heat transfer losses affect OTEC performance, offering a more accurate assessment of ΔT that accounts for real-world conditions. This computational analysis provided a deeper understanding of the energy losses in long-distance cold-water pipes, a crucial area often overlooked in existing literature.
Why It Matters:
Improving the accuracy of temperature difference modeling, particularly when heat losses are involved, is essential for optimizing the performance of OTEC systems—especially in scenarios where the ideal temperature difference is far from shore.
CNASBE 2024: 2nd International Conference on Computing in Natural Sciences, Biomedicine, and Engineering
Location: Athens, Greece
Dates: October 18-21, 2024
Presenter: Lazaros Aresti
Presentation Title: OTEC Systems’ Heat Losses in Pipes
Abstract:
While OTEC systems show great promise for sustainable energy production, the heat losses in cold-water pipes (CWP) pose significant challenges. In his presentation, Lazaros Aresti examined how these losses impact the temperature difference between deep seawater and the condenser inlet temperature. Since many studies overlook heat transfer losses, Aresti’s work provides a more accurate evaluation of system performance. By incorporating these losses into the model, we revealed that even minor temperature fluctuations can significantly affect the efficiency of OTEC systems.
Why It Matters:
Accounting for heat losses in OTEC systems allows for a more realistic understanding of their potential performance. This research helps engineers and researchers design better systems, leading to greater efficiency and more effective use of resources.
CNASBE 2024: 2nd International Conference on Computing in Natural Sciences, Biomedicine, and Engineering
Location: Athens, Greece
Dates: October 18-21, 2024
Presenter: Paul Christodoulides
Presentation Title: Pumping Power Dependence of OTEC Systems
Abstract:
In OTEC systems, pumping power requirements play a crucial role in determining overall system efficiency. Paul Christodoulides’ research focused on understanding how various factors—such as cold-water pipe size, mass flow rate, and distance from shore—affect the pumping power needed to maintain system efficiency. By analyzing these variables through parametric studies, Christodoulides was able to identify the key factors influencing energy use in OTEC systems. The results provide valuable insights into how OTEC systems can be optimized for different geographic locations, whether they are placed onshore or offshore.
Why It Matters:
This research addresses the practical considerations of OTEC deployment, offering valuable insights that could help reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and improve system efficiency in real-world applications.
Exploring the Future of OTEC: High-Pressure Open-Cycle OTEC
Abstract:
In addition to our participation in these conferences, HydrOTEC also introduced a cutting-edge concept for OTEC systems—the High-Pressure Open-Cycle OTEC design. Traditional open-cycle OTEC systems generate electricity by running surface seawater through a flash evaporator, simultaneously producing desalinated water. Our innovative design takes a different approach by eliminating the vacuum chamber and using pressurization, energy recuperation, and renewable heat sources to raise seawater temperatures above 120°C. This allows for flashing seawater at pressures higher than atmospheric, producing fresh water vapor, which drives an expander connected to an electrical generator.
The vapor can also be diverted for other purposes, such as hydrogen production, making this design a highly versatile solution. This breakthrough could significantly improve both electricity generation and desalination efficiency, offering a dual benefit that addresses both energy and water scarcity.
Why It Matters:
This new approach to OTEC technology could revolutionize the industry by offering more cost-effective, efficient, and scalable systems that generate clean energy and fresh water, addressing two of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Our participation in these conferences marked an exciting chapter in HydrOTEC’s journey to advance OTEC technology. By sharing our research and collaborating with experts in the field, we are proud to contribute to the development of more sustainable and efficient energy solutions. The future of renewable energy is bright, and HydrOTEC is dedicated to continuing to innovate and lead the way in OTEC technology.
Stay connected with us for more updates on our research and the exciting potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion systems to transform the energy and water sectors.