Question

Explain the working of an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant.

Answer 1

Ocean thermal energy

1. Because of the temperature drop in the water at various surface levels, ocean thermal energy can be harnessed.

Working of ocean thermal energy conversion power plant

1. The minimum temperature difference should be ${20}^{\circ }\text{C}$ between water at the upper surface and the deeper surface of up to 2 km.
2. The warm water from the ocean is used to heat and convert ammonia liquid into ammonia vapor in the evaporator of the plant.
3. The ammonia vapor is used to rotate the turbine connected to the generator to produce electricity.
4. The cold water from the ocean is used to condense the ammonia vapor into ammonia liquid in the condenser.
5. The liquid ammonia again gets heat from warm water to change into vapor to produce electricity.