What type of OTEC does Makai ocean Engineering is developing?

The Makai plant is designed to draw in warmer ocean surface waters to vaporize ammonia, which boils and creates steam at a relatively low temperature.

How much does an OTEC plant cost?

The complete structure has slightly positive buoyancy. The proposed structure has some portion above the ocean surface. The structure can be assembled in the ocean. The cost of a proposed 50 megawatt (MW, net power) OTEC plant is approximately 75 million dollars.

What is OTEC plant?

Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a process or technology for producing energy by harnessing the temperature differences (thermal gradients) between ocean surface waters and deep ocean waters. This temperature difference can be used to produce electricity and to desalinate ocean water.

Why OTEC is the best alternative source of energy?

OTEC plants provide sustainable, renewable energy using nothing more than the heat found in ocean waters of the tropics. There are no fossil fuels or emissions, and because of the design of the plants, it’s also possible to create potable water during the process.

Where is the Makai OTEC power plant located?

Makai’s OTEC plant forms part of its OTEC heat exchanger test facility and marine corrosion lab, named Ocean Energy Research Center (OERC), located at the NELHA site, which was opened in 2011, following the award of a fund by the US Navy in 2009.

Where is Makai Ocean Engineering, inc.located?

Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc. is an innovative ocean engineering and design firm based in Hawaii, USA since 1973.

How big is the makai ocean thermal power plant?

Makai Ocean Engineering’s ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power plant was connected to the US grid in 2015. Credit: S Cerri. It has a generation capacity of 100kW a year. Credit: Makai Ocean Engineering, Inc.

How does Makai use OTEC plant analysis software?

Makai uses a unique OTEC plant analysis software to design heat exchangers which accounts for lifespan, performance (heat transfer and pumping efficiencies), and cost (fabrication and effect on platform), to enable true optimization.