Performance Evaluation Concept for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion toward Standardization and Intelligent Design

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) uses a very simple process to convert the stored mainly in tropical oceans into electricity. In designs, operations, and evaluations, we need consider unique characteristics of OTEC achieve best performance or lower electricity cost projects. The concept design constraints power generation differ from those conventional plants due utilization low temperature difference. This research theoretically recognizes system summarizes appropriate evaluation methods for based on finite-time thermodynamics equilibrium condition heat source. addition, it presents normalization efficiency exergy available ocean defined as transferable dead state exergy. differences between effectiveness are visualized using various reference data, is ascertained that there no clear relation efficiency, whereas normalized definitely proportional efficiency. Moreover, shows staging Rankine, Kalina, Uehara cycles. Therefore, important analyze mass balance well improvement system.