Assessing biofouling in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) power plant – A review

Abstract Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) harnesses thermal energy stored at different seawater depths via power generation from a thermodynamic closed-loop cyclical system. Apart its consistent generation, it could be diversified into other side industries, making OTEC an attractive and sustainable source of renewable energy. However, the process that utilises as main fluid is exposed to biofouling deposition due unwanted growth accumulation biological elements on any contact surfaces, potentially affecting efficiency damaging equipment in process. Considering inevitable condition may not eliminated, comprehensive study for assessing potential mechanism crucial step strategizing effective management commercial large-scale plant facility. This review paper focuses evaluating suitable assessment techniques specifically achieved by previous proposed relevant systems focusing their implementation under realistic setup. The initial indicated unavoidable some sections all models, despite biofouling-free design consideration. Previous studies were evaluated with reported physical approaches need further improve these especially continuous non-destructive methods. Therefore, several monitoring water treatment industries considered systems, findings importance considering important operational parameters feasible robust systems. Two major which are intake flow rate temperature variation levels evaluation examples practices conducted cooling industry. A setup mimicking changes required, this case side-connecting operated facility pilot or sampler. allows application uninterrupted